#Exhibit of the Month

The grapevine plant, now widespread across the globe, traces its origins back to the Upper Cretaceous geological period, when species of Vitis Linn appeared on Earth (Mesozoic era), followed later by Vitis vinifera L., the latter already classified among cultivated agricultural plants. Most researchers link the origin of the cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) to the wild forest species Vitis sylvestris Gmel. Thickets of Vitis sylvestris Gmel. can still sporadically be found in the groves along the Prut and Dniester floodplains.

During the Precucuteni III - Trypillia A period (ca. 4750-4600 BC), the presence of cultivated grape seeds was clearly documented on pottery from the settlement of Ruseştii Noi I, layer I, kiln A, consisting of a seed impression on a ceramic fragment, with the elongated beak characteristic of the domesticated species Vitis vinifera L. Another seed impression of Vitis vinifera L. was recorded at the settlement of Vărvăreuca VIII, identified on the wall of a painted vessel from the Cucuteni B - Trypillia CI stage (3800-3500/3300 BC).
In October, on the occasion of the National Wine Day, the National Museum of History of Moldova presents to your attention a unique relic in Southeastern Europe. The exhibit originates from the settlement Brînzeni VIII "Sâiece," belonging to the Cucuteni-Trypillia culture and dated to the Cucuteni AB2 - Trypillia B2 phase (ca. 4050-3800 BC), located in Brînzeni village, Edineț district. The site lies 2 km southwest of the locality, in a triangle formed by the confluence of the Racovăț and Drobiște streams and the local road L36 Bădragii Vechi-Brînzeni. Positioned on land 25-30 meters above the valley, it was discovered in 1966 by archaeologist Nicolaie Chetraru and investigated through excavations between 1978-1980 by Vsevolod Marchevici.
The October exhibit is a grapevine leaf impression discovered in 1980. It comes from pit no. 5, partially investigated, with a maximum depth of 155 cm. From the same archaeological complex near dwelling no. 1, several grape seeds were also recovered, as noted in the excavation report. The grapevine leaf impression appears on a coarse clay lump, fired and vitrified due to secondary burning, reddish in color, with an irregular rectangular, flattened shape. The outer surface is uneven and rough. The impression surface is smoothed, with the leaf veins clearly highlighted. Measuring 99 mm in length, 110 mm in width, and 28-31 mm in thickness, the exhibit presents in full splendor an authentic grapevine leaf impression. Some researchers attribute it to the domesticated grapevine Vitis vinifera L., while others, more skeptical, consider it a wild species. Nevertheless, being discovered in a well-documented archaeological context, together with grape seeds near a dwelling, it provides evidence that grapevine was part of Cucuteni community life 6,000 years ago. These findings allow us to affirm that the process of domestication and the creation of table grapes was already underway. The diversity of Cucuteni ceramic forms, as well as the painting on some vessels, undoubtedly suggests their use as containers for various liquids. Accordingly, the emergence of wine among Cucuteni communities can be taken into consideration.

Virtual Tour

Exhibitions

“European Moldova”

August 11, 2025 – January 31, 2026

The exhibition is dedicated to the National Holidays-Independence Day and Romanian Language Day-and presents an impressive selection of photographic images reflecting the process of European association and integration of the Republic of Moldova. The exhibition opening will take place on August 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM, in Exhibition Hall No. 1 of the National Museum of History of Moldova.

The proclamation of the Republic of Moldova's state independence on August 27, 1991, marked the beginning of a new era in the political, socio-economic, and cultural development of the young state. The Republic of Moldova firmly set out on the path of reform and progress, confirming its commitment to building a democratic society based on the rule of law and respect for human dignity and rights, as well as its aspiration to align with the values of the European Union.

The deepening of cooperation with the European Union began with the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement of 1994, followed by the Action Plan of 2005, and continued with the signing of the Association Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union on June 27, 2014. This agreement laid the foundations for stronger political association and economic integration, promoting shared values and enhanced cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

On March 3, 2022, the Republic of Moldova submitted its application for accession to the European Union, and on June 23, 2022, the European Council recognized Moldova's European perspective and granted it the status of EU candidate country.

Following the constitutional referendum of October 20, 2024, and the decision of the Constitutional Court on December 13, 2024, the objective of Moldova's accession to the European Union was introduced into the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova. Thus, the country's supreme law-the Constitution-reaffirmed the European identity of the Moldovan people and the irreversibility of its European path, declaring integration into the European Union as a strategic objective of the Republic of Moldova.

The achievement of this objective requires sustained efforts from the political class, civil society, and all state institutions, including cultural figures and institutions that promote European values and contribute to raising awareness throughout society of the necessity of European integration for a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future for the Republic of Moldova and its citizens.

The exhibition "European Moldova" aims to promote and strengthen the sense of belonging to the European Union and the citizens' attachment to European values.

The exhibition brings together approximately 100 photographic images that reflect the historical journey of the Republic of Moldova from the proclamation of independence to the signing and implementation of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement.

Various sections of the exhibition highlight political and cultural events, visits by high-ranking European officials who expressed support for Moldova's European path, artistic ensembles, and prominent personalities who promote Europe's democratic and cultural values.

The images presented in the exhibition are sourced from the collections of the National Museum of History of Moldova and the personal archive of photojournalist Mihai Vengher.

#Exhibit of the Month

Grapevine Leaf Impression

“European Moldova”

August 11, 2025 – January 31, 2026

#Exhibit of the Month