The National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History in Chișinău is the oldest museum in the Republic of Moldova, with a rich history dating back to 1889. The museum was founded based on the collections from the first Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition organized by the Bessarabian Zemstvo. Throughout its existence, the museum has operated under various names, starting as the Museum of Agriculture and gradually expanding its focus to encompass natural history, contemporary nature, human society evolution, and traditional culture.
The museum’s magnificent building was specifically designed for this purpose by architect Vladimir Țîganco. Construction was completed in 1905, and the museum was officially inaugurated in June 1906. The architectural-historical complex is considered a monument of national importance and is situated between Mihail Kogălniceanu, Alexei Șciusev, Maria Cebotari, and Sfatul Țării streets. Even if the museum had no exhibits, the building alone would be worth a visit with its impressive architectural details and historical significance.
Inside, visitors can explore the permanent exhibition titled ‘Nature. Human Being. Culture‘, which covers an impressive 2,000 square meters (don’t miss the cellar!). This interdisciplinary exhibition brilliantly reflects the global relationship between humans and nature through local experiences. The dioramas are absolutely beautiful, with four stunning murals recreating typical landscapes specific to Moldova’s geographical zones: the Nistru Uplands, the Woodlands, the Lower Prut Floodplain, and the Bălți Steppe. These artistic panoramas, created by V. Zâkov, P. Belogorțev, and A. Bulâciov, showcase the diversity, richness, and beauty of Moldova’s natural ecosystems.
One of the museum’s most valuable exhibits is the complete skeleton of a gigantic dinothere (Deinotherium proavum) that lived in the territory of Moldova 10 million years ago. This is a unique exhibit not just in Moldova but in Europe, as it is the only original complete skeleton of this species in the world. The museum’s collection has grown to approximately 135,000 items, representing the natural history, contemporary nature, human society evolution, and traditional culture of the region.
Muzeul Național de Etnografie și Istorie Naturală
Chișinău
Moldova
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