#Exhibit of the Month

The National Bank of Moldova annually issues commemorative or anniversary coins dedicated to various historical events, prominent cultural and scientific figures, the promotion of heritage and cultural traditions, architectural monuments, the flora and fauna of the Republic of Moldova, etc. A significant place in the coin series of the Republic of Moldova is held by those reflecting key milestones in the formation and development of our country. These coins are the subject of this mini-exhibition:

1-2. 5 Years Since the Proclamation of the Independence of the Republic of Moldova, 100 lei, 1996, AR; W: 28.28 g; D: 38.61 mm; mintage: 1,000 pcs. FB-23252-1,2.
3. 10 Years Since the Proclamation of the Independence of the Republic of Moldova, 100 lei, 2001, AR; W: 31.1 g; D: 37 mm; mintage: 1,000 pcs. FB-24305.
4. 20 Years Since the Proclamation of the Independence of the Republic of Moldova, 100 lei, 2011, AR; W: 31.1 g; D: 37 mm; mintage: 1,000 pcs. FB-29968-3.
5-7. 30 Years Since the Proclamation of the Independence of the Republic of Moldova, set; 50 lei; 2023; AR; W: 20 g; D: 32 mm; mintage: 500 pcs. The coins bear the inscriptions: "A sacred freedom", "My heart is Moldova", "As long as we live on this earth". PMC-423-425.
8. 20 Years Since the Introduction of the National Currency in the Republic of Moldova, 100 lei, 2013, AR; W: 28.28 g; 40 x 28 mm; mintage: 2,000 pcs. FB-29968-2.
9. Anniversary of the National Currency, 50 lei, 2023; AR; W: 31.1 g; D: 37 mm; mintage: 500 pcs. FB-PMC-870.
10. 20 Years Since the Adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, 100 lei, 2014; AR; W: 13.0 g; D: 28 mm; mintage: 1,000 pcs. FB-29968-1.

Virtual Tour

Exhibitions

"Metallurgy – from Magic to Industry"

September 26, 2024 - September 26, 2025

As part of the European Heritage Days, the exhibition "Metallurgy - from Magic to Industry" will be held, exploring the fascinating evolution of metalworking from rudimentary practices to mass casting, which fundamentally changed the way society managed and used metals. Chronologically, the exhibition presents metal processing from the Eneolithic period to the late Middle Ages, starting with the creation of modest copper objects to the rise of mass production and the emergence of local craft centers specializing in ore reduction and metalworking.

At first, individuals who mastered the techniques of identifying, reducing, and processing metals were regarded as true magicians. The first objects made from native copper were not intended for practical use but held great aesthetic and symbolic value. The discovery that metals could be extracted from ore through heating and shaped by melting and casting was a significant leap forward in the development of metallurgy and the quality of life in human communities. Mass metal casting was used to create tools, weapons, jewelry, harness elements, decorations, and more.
The invention and practice of metallurgy represent one of the most important innovations in human history, bringing about major changes in virtually every human activity. The collections of the National Museum of History of Moldova contain an impressive number of metal objects discovered in settlements, graves, hoards, and accidental finds. Many metal pieces have become chronological benchmarks for cultural contexts in prehistory, antiquity, and the Middle Ages.

The exhibition "Metallurgy - from Magic to Industry" aims to recreate the stages of development of this craft through metal artifacts held by the National Museum of History of Moldova, as well as reconstructions to offer the general public a better understanding of the level of metallurgy practice during different historical periods and its significance for the material culture of the communities that inhabited this area. The exhibition seeks to illustrate how knowledge and skills developed over time, transforming metallurgy from a magical domain into a pillar of progress.

The exhibition "Metallurgy - from Magic to Industry" can be visited from September 26, 2024, at 3:00 PM, at the National Museum of History of Moldova, Chișinău, 31 August 1989 Street, No. 121 A.