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#Exhibit of the Month

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The history of this icon traces back to the 10th century at the Protaton Monastery on Mount Athos. In one of the cells named "The Dormition of the Mother of God," an elderly hieromonk lived with his disciple. They preserved a superb depiction of the Virgin Mary. This old icon became renowned through the revelation of the prayer "It Is Truly Meet."
Between the years 980-982, on a Saturday evening before an all-night vigil, the elder monk left for the nearby church, instructing his disciple to continue the religious routine in the cell. Being obedient, the disciple followed the instructions. When he reached the 9th Ode of the Canons, "More Honorable Than the Cherubim...," he suddenly heard someone beginning to chant alongside him: "It is truly meet to bless thee, O Theotokos..." It was a mysterious pilgrim monk who had appeared unexpectedly and joined in the prayers. At that moment, the icon began to radiate light, as if it were broad daylight. Astonished by the events, the disciple asked the mysterious monk to write down the verses. The monk wrote them on a tile with his finger as if it were soft wax and said, "From now on, this is how you Orthodox Christians should chant," and, saying this, he vanished. Left alone, the disciple realized he had witnessed a great miracle. Enlightened, he understood that the pilgrim was none other than the Archangel Gabriel, who had come, as he had before, to deliver the word of the Highest to humanity.

The icon was transferred from the cell to the Holy Altar of the Protaton Church, where a similar icon is preserved to this day. The tile with the divine hymn was taken to Constantinople and included in the Orthodox Church's liturgical books. Soon after, Archangel Gabriel's prayer was incorporated into the Divine Liturgy, immediately following the Consecration of the Gifts of Bread and Wine. The valley with the cells has since been called Adin, meaning "to chant," "chanting."

The icon "It Is Truly Meet" is of inestimable value and has become the protector of Mount Athos. The icon is celebrated on June 11/24, commemorating the miraculous appearance of the Archangel, and on July 13/26, in honor of the Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel.

This icon, of the Eleusa type, portrays gentleness and tenderness in its central figures. The Virgin holds the Child with her right hand, while her left hand, placed beneath His feet, grips the hem of His tunic. The small Jesus wears a short tunic reaching His knees and holds a scroll in His right hand inscribed with the words of the Axion hymn. His left-hand slips under the veil of the Virgin towards her left shoulder. Both figures are crowned with golden halos. Two angels flank the Virgin's halo, while the Almighty in an open heaven blesses with both hands.

Crafted using tempera on wood, the icon is adorned with gold leaf and multicolored enamel, giving the image a unique delicacy. The inscription on the lower frame indicates that the icon was created by the painter Ioasaf in 1905.

The painter monk Ioasaf Berghie (1862-?) of the New Neamț Monastery resided there between 1887 and the 1940s, occupying three rooms to set up his studio, where he worked continuously on icons and church artworks. Born into the family of a church teacher in Jabca village, Ștefan Berghie, Ioan Berghie developed a passion for sacred iconography from an early age. In 1890, Andronic, the abbot of the New Neamț Monastery, blessed him to paint icons. Taking monastic vows in 1895 under the name Ioasaf, he traveled by foot to visit major ecclesiastical centers nearby and further afield, learning the art of iconography. Starting with naive-style interpretations, he eventually mastered professional painting techniques and acquired new decorative skills. His works became highly popular throughout Bessarabia and abroad. Painting a significant number of icons, they were often mistakenly sold as coming from major artisan workshops. To prevent such confusion, he received the abbot's blessing to sign his works, earning recognition and fame for his name.

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Events Archive



Heritage Donation at the Museum of History and Ethnography in Mereni

18 May 2025

On May 18, International Museum Day, the Museum of History and Ethnography in Mereni hosted a roundtable discussion highlighting the significance of museum heritage and historical research. The event was actively supported by the National Museum of History of Moldova, with the participation of Professor Dr. habil. Gheorghe Postică and Professor Dr. habil. Eugen Sava, alongside Colonel Petru Costin, Director of the Collections Gallery of the Ialoveni District Council and the only Moldovan museologist mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records.


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Opening of the Exhibition "Harmony of Beauty. The Timeless Elegance of Azerbaijani Carpets"

18 May 2025

On May 18, 2025, the National Museum of History of Moldova inaugurated the exhibition "Harmony of Beauty. The Timeless Elegance of Azerbaijani Carpets" as part of the International Museum Day program, an event that highlighted the rich tradition of Azerbaijani carpet weaving. Organized in partnership with Azərxalça and the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Republic of Moldova, the exhibition offers an insight into Azerbaijan's textile heritage, showcasing stylistic diversity and artisanal craftsmanship.


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International Museum Day 2025

18 May 2025

On May 18, 2025, the National Museum of History of Moldova welcomed over 5,000 visitors for a day dedicated to cultural exploration and discovery in honor of International Museum Day. Organized under the aegis of ICOM and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, this edition brought together diverse communities to celebrate the essential role of museums in preserving and connecting history with contemporary society.


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European Night of Museums 2025

17 May 2025

On May 17, 2025, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the European Night of Museums, a large-scale event dedicated to promoting cultural heritage and increasing accessibility to museums. Organized annually under the auspices of the French Ministry of Culture, UNESCO, the Council of Europe, and ICOM, the initiative allowed visitors to explore the museum's collections free of charge and participate in special activities within an interactive setting.


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Awards Gala for International Museum Day

16 May 2025

International Museum Day 2025 was celebrated on May 16 at the National Museum of History of Moldova, under the theme set by ICOM: "The Future of Museums in Continuously Changing Communities." Organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, the event brought together cultural heritage specialists, museum directors, and the general public, offering an important opportunity to reflect on the contemporary role of museums as spaces for education, dialogue, and social cohesion.


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Valuable Donation of Romanian Stamps

8 May 2025

On the eve of Europe Day, the National Museum of History of Moldova experienced a historic moment with profound sentimental significance. Romanian collector Ilie Picioruș generously donated an invaluable and impressive collection of unobliterated Romanian stamps from the period 1948-1964. A noble gesture worthy of admiration and gratitude.
The donation includes stamps with a remarkably diverse thematic range, covering historical events and personalities, cultural and educational milestones, sports, fauna, flora, and much more.


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Museum of Victims of Deportations and Political Repressions, NMHM awarded by the Memorial of the Revolution in Timișoara

26 April 2025

On April 26, 2025, on the occasion of the Anniversary Gala of the Memorial of the Revolution in Timișoara, the Museum of Victims of Deportations and Political Repressions, NMHM was honored with the distinction for its contribution and active cooperation in the scientific and museum valorization of the history and memory of totalitarian regimes.

On this occasion, the Museum of Victims of Deportations and Political Repressions expresses gratitude to its colleagues at the Memorial of the Revolution in Timișoara for the high appreciation and, at the same time, reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the partnership in order to keep alive the memory of those who fought for Freedom.


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Opening of the Exhibition "The Medieval Fortresses of Alcedar and Echimăuți – 75 Years Since the Start of Field Archaeological Research"

16 April 2025

On April 16, 2025, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the opening of the exhibition "The Medieval Fortresses of Alcedar and Echimăuți: 75 Years Since the Start of Field Archaeological Research," organized on the occasion of the International Day of Monuments and Sites.

The event took place in the Upper Hall of the museum, bringing together representatives of cultural institutions, experts in archaeology and heritage, as well as representatives of the local administration of Alcedar commune. Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Vlad Vornic, State Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, and Prof. Dr. Hab. Gheorghe Postică, Head of the History, Archaeology, and Museology Department at the National Museum of History of Moldova.

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Round Table: "The Early Medieval Fortresses of Alcedar and Echimăuți – 75 Years Since the Start of Field Archaeological Research"

16 April 2025

On April 16, 2025, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the Round Table "The Early Medieval Fortresses of Alcedar and Echimăuți: 75 Years Since the Start of Field Archaeological Research." The event focused on discussions related to archaeological investigations carried out at these medieval sites.

The meeting brought together researchers, historians, and representatives of cultural institutions, as well as representatives from the community of Alcedar, including the mayor, a history teacher, and a group of students. Participants addressed the significance of these fortifications for historical studies and discussed the research methods applied over the decades.

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Debate Workshop ”The Famine of 1946-1947 in the Moldavian SSR. Totalitarian Propaganda and Censorship”

16 April 2025

On April 16, 2025, the exhibition space of the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the debate workshop "The Famine of 1946-1947 in the Moldavian SSR. Totalitarian Propaganda and Censorship", an event that is part of The Program of Activities Dedicated to the Day of Commemoration of the Victims of the Famine of 1946-1947.

During the workshop, the high school students from the "Mircea Eliade" Theoretical High School in Chisinau, the "Mitropolit Nestor Vornicescu" Theoretical High School in Lozova, the Doroțcaia Theoretical High School, the "Emil Nicula" Theoretical High School in Mereni, the "Mihai Eminescu" Theoretical High School in Chisinau and the "Alecu Russo" State University in Bălți were trained in activities to learn about the history and memory of the dramatic events of 1946-1947 in the Moldavian SSR


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Round table ”Problems and perspectives of researching the atrociities of the totalitarian-communist regime and the memory of the victims of famine, repressions and stalinist deportations”

12 April 2025

On April 12, 2025, in the village of Avdarma, ATU Gagauzia, the Round Table "Problems and perspectives of researching the atrocities of the totalitarian-communist regime and the memory of the victims of famine, repressions and Stalinist deportations" took place, an event organized by the History Museum of the village of Avdarma, in partnership with the National Museum of History of Moldova, the Institute of History of the Moldova State University, the Association of Former Deportees and Political Prisoners of Moldova, with the support of the Hanns Seidel Foundation - Republic of Moldova.


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Opening of the photo-documentary exhibition “CHILDHOOD IN THE GULAG”

11 April 2025

On April 11, 2025, the "Alecu Russo" State University of Balti hosted the opening of the traveling exhibition "Childhood in the Gulag" (curator Dr. Ludmila Cojocaru). The event was organized by the National Museum of History of Moldova in partnership with the "Alecu Russo" State University of Balti and the Institute of History of MSU and presents to the general public photo-documentary images about the lives of Bessarabian children condemned to deportation, starvation, Russification, indoctrination and forced separation from their own families in the context of the repressive policies of the Soviet occupation regime.


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The Opening of the Exhibition “Ukraine: The Art of the Unyielding” / „Україна: Мистецтво Нескорених”

2 April 2025

On April 2, 2025, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the opening of the exhibition "Ukraine: The Art of the Unyielding" / „Україна: Мистецтво Нескорених" - a cultural event dedicated to celebrating Ukrainian traditions and decorative art. The opening brought together representatives of the diplomatic corps, members of the Ukrainian and Moldovan communities, as well as art enthusiasts, who gathered to discover the beauty and symbolism of the exhibited creations.


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Opening of the Exhibition "Royal Echoes from the Interwar Period – Queen Marie and Romanian Chișinău"

27 March 2025

On March 27, 2025, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the opening of the exhibition "Royal Echoes from the Interwar Period - Queen Marie and Romanian Chișinău", organized in partnership with the Heritage 21 Foundation. The event highlighted the complex personality of Queen Marie and her significant contribution to Romania's cultural heritage.

The exhibition opening was marked by the participation of partners and the general public. Dr. Olga Andranovici, Deputy Director of the National Museum of History of Moldova, emphasized the importance of this project in promoting the historical and cultural legacy of the interwar period.


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Educational Activity “A Journey into Prehistory” – An Inclusive Experience at the Museum

13 March 2025

On March 13, 2025, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the interactive activity "A Journey into Prehistory", dedicated to a group of students from Special School No. 12 in Chișinău, designed for children with hearing impairments and late-onset deafness. The event was held as part of History Week, an educational program organized by the school between March 10-14, 2025, aiming to promote equal access to culture and facilitate the participation of children with special needs in museum-based educational activities.


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"Ring the Bell" – Sound the Bell for ALL Women and Girls

11 March 2025

On March 11, 2025, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted an event within the global initiative "Ring the Bell - Sound the Bell for ALL Women and Girls," organized by UN Women, the Moldova Stock Exchange, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

For the second consecutive year, UN Women, together with the Moldova Stock Exchange and IFC, marked this initiative aimed at fostering a more inclusive and sustainable financial environment. The sound of the bell, traditionally signaling the opening of the trading day on financial markets, was transformed into a powerful call to action for promoting gender equality.


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Opening of the Photography Exhibition "The Phenomenon of Resistance"

28 February 2025

On February 28, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the opening of the photography exhibition "The Phenomenon of Resistance", an event organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova in collaboration with the National Congress of Ukrainians in Moldova.

Curated by the Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine, the exhibition brings to the forefront deeply moving stories of children who returned home from deportation, as well as civilians and prisoners of war who were held captive by the Russian Federation.

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General Assembly of the Members of the National Committee of ICOM Moldova

27 February 2025

On February 27, 2025, the Blue Hall of the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the General Assembly of the members of the National Committee of ICOM Moldova, marking 15 years since the founding of this essential structure for the national museum community. The event brought together representatives of museum institutions, heritage experts, and members of ICOM Moldova.


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Outdoor Exhibition Opening “Education in Times of Occupation”

24 February 2025

On February 24, 2025, the National Museum of History of Moldova, in partnership with Amnesty International Moldova, inaugurated the outdoor exhibition "Education in Times of Occupation", dedicated to documenting war crimes and the devastating impact of Russian aggression on Ukrainian civilians. The event marked three years since the start of the full-scale invasion and a decade of severe human rights violations committed by Russia.


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"Frontline Reports" Event

22 February 2025

On February 22, 2025, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the event "Frontline Reports," organized by the Arena Civică Association. The event provided the audience with an in-depth perspective on the realities of war through the eyes of one of Ukraine's most renowned frontline journalists.

During the event, the special guest, Andrei Țaplienko, presented reports from the frontline, capturing the complexity and drama of life in war-affected areas.

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Independent Moldova
Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic
Bessarabia and MASSR between the Two World Wars
Bessarabia and Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic in the Period between the Two World Wars
Revival of National Movement
Time of Reforms and their Consequences
Abolition of Autonomy. Bessarabia – a New Tsarist Colony
Period of Relative Autonomy of Bessarabia within the Russian Empire
Phanariot Regime
Golden Age of the Romanian Culture
Struggle for Maintaining of Independence of Moldova
Formation of Independent Medieval State of Moldova
Era of the
Great Nomad Migrations
Early Middle Ages
Iron Age and Antiquity
Bronze Age
Aeneolithic Age
Neolithic Age
Palaeolithic Age
  
  

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#Exhibit of the Month

The history of this icon traces back to the 10th century at the Protaton Monastery on Mount Athos. In one of the cells named "The Dormition of the Mother of God," an elderly hieromonk lived with his disciple. They preserved a superb depiction of the Virgin Mary...

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The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
©2006-2025 National Museum of History of Moldova
Visit museum 31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Phones:
Secretariat: +373 (22) 24-43-25
Department of Public Relations and Museum Education: +373 (22) 24-04-26
Fax: +373 (22) 24-43-69
E-mail: office@nationalmuseum.md
Technical Support: info@nationalmuseum.md
Web site administration and maintenance: Andrei EMILCIUC

 



The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
©2006-2025 National Museum of History of Moldova
Visit museum 31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Phones:
Secretariat: +373 (22) 24-43-25
Department of Public Relations and Museum Education: +373 (22) 24-04-26
Fax: +373 (22) 24-43-69
E-mail: office@nationalmuseum.md
Technical Support: info@nationalmuseum.md
Web site administration and maintenance: Andrei EMILCIUC

menu
The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
©2006-2025 National Museum of History of Moldova
Visit museum 31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Phones:
Secretariat: +373 (22) 24-43-25
Department of Public Relations and Museum Education: +373 (22) 24-04-26
Fax: +373 (22) 24-43-69
E-mail: office@nationalmuseum.md
Technical Support: info@nationalmuseum.md
Web site administration and maintenance: Andrei EMILCIUC