The scientific prestige and huge collection of valuable items made the National Museum of History of Moldova one of the most important cultural institutions of the Republic of Moldova. Situated in the center of the capital, this place of interest attracts both lots of tourists and residents of Chisinau. Once you visit our country, don't forget to discover this museum and find out the historical parts of life in Moldova. There, you will find out how did Moldavian people live long before your birth, how did they fight for their territories, what traditions did they have. In addition, you could see how do we live now, what values do we respect and which important events do we take part in.
The renovation of a damaged building
Earlier, the building where the museum is located was a former Christian male gymnasium. In 1977, it was destroyed by a powerful earthquake. That moment has played a tragic role in the history of the gymnasium, leading to serious damage, that could have probably destroyed the building. Thus, the old building was replaced and renovated by a new one, that serves as the museum until nowadays. The Museum of History of Moldova, as we can see it now, was established in 1983 and is located in a two-story mansion. Still under the reconstruction works, the present building is a modern monumental building, that is situated on the 31 August 1989 Street. There are 12 exhibition rooms, with a total area of 5,700 square meters.
What to pay attention to?
Nowadays, there are 348,619 items in total, that you should pay attention to in our National Museum of History, but this number is constantly growing due to the donations and archaeological expeditions of our scientists. They are various and cover the history of Moldova from the prehistoric times, telling about the land, facts, events, and outstanding people. Some 300 000 exhibits that represent both Antique times and Bessarabia period, not forgetting modern Moldova, are considered to be the real national treasure of our country. A rich collection of the ancient weapons and armor, numismatic collections, photos and archaeological items are very special and deserve to be a part of the national culture of Moldova.
A monument "Lupa Capitolina"
Right in front of the Museum, you will probably notice the monument, dedicated to the "Lupa Capitolina" - the Capitoline she-wolf with her sons Romulus and Ram, the founders of Ancient Rome. This is a copy of the original monument in the capital of Italy, which was presented to the capital of Moldova by the "Cultural League for the unity of all Romanians". The first appearance of the she-wolf in Chisinau happened in the 20th century. One of the most famous versions of its occurring claims that the municipality of Rome presented this sculpture to Chisinau in 1926. The monument was a part of the gymnasium until 1940 when it disappeared without a single trace. At the end of the 1980s, there was an idea to recreate the monument and return it to the museum's courtyard. A new sculpture was made out of bronze, by the masters of the Union of Artists. The modern sculpture is situated nowadays on the opposite side of the National Museum of History of Moldova, and it represents a beautiful legend of the she-wolf that fed the founders of Ancient Rome. She saved them, made stronger and gave the power for brave future rulers.
The real treasures of Moldavian history are kept in this valuable institution. The National Museum of History of Moldova is the place where modern technologies meet authenticity and collaborate together. If you are in Chisinau, don't forget to discover this great place and walk around its mansion. Round the corner, you will find a beautiful and small park, where the museum often organizes great historical events, the Night in museums, the reconstruction of battles and other interesting things. Also, don't pass by a helicopter that is standing in that park. It will surely attract your attention!
The National Museum of History of Moldova
Strada 31 August 1989 16, Chişinău 2001, MoldovaThe author
Vladlena Martus
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