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#Exhibit of the Month

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We find ourselves in the month of April, as we prepare to celebrate Easter-a moveable religious holiday rich in festive rituals and ceremonial activities that place this event at the very heart of Christian spiritual life. The spirit of the Resurrection is beautifully complemented by ten Easter-themed postcards from the heritage of the National Museum of History of Moldova, printed a century ago. These pieces were added to the museum's postcard collection over a decade ago following a successful acquisition; as the fund for Easter-themed illustrations is modest, we are in a constant search for new additions.

These postcards are "extraordinary" in terms of their postal, typographical, and chromatic effects-the primary reason for revisiting this genre of greetings. Unlike "classic" postcards, these are smaller in size (6.5 cm x 11 cm), made of cardboard (with the exception of one piece made of photographic paper in black and white), and feature "vivid" colors. Printed in Romania and Germany, they bear the marks of having been sent and circulated through the post.

The name of the holiday originates from the verb persach, meaning "to pass," a term adopted by the Jews from the Egyptians. It entered the Romanian language through the Byzantine-Latin form Paschae, signifying the "passage through death to life, the victory of life, and liberation from the bondage of sin." Easter is a holiday of tolerance and forgiveness, representing a bridge between the present and the past. The significance of this celebration is conveyed through its symbols, which are also featured on these postcards: Hand-painted eggs, the Easter Bunny and the Lamb, traditional sweet breads (cozonac and pască), biblical scenes related to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Easter table also features pască-a ritual food reminiscent of ancient, bloodless "reconciliation" sacrifices. Its preparation is the exclusive task of women, the givers of life, as the leavened dough is considered "alive."

The most significant component of the Easter holiday, however, is the Light. The Ceremony of the Holy Light is associated with the miracle of the light appearing on Easter Sunday at Christ's Tomb in Jerusalem. The candle, often depicted in these images, carries a powerful message; it is with the Resurrection candle that we return home after the midnight religious service. Furthermore, the Easter Bunny represents the rebirth of nature, so eagerly awaited after a harsh winter.

Unlike Christmas, when the announcement and ritual integration of the community into sacred time was the duty of caroling groups, at Easter, "one does not go from house to house." Instead, the ritual meal is organized within each family, symbolizing a direct communion with God.


Virtual Tour


Exhibitions

„Mihai Eminescu in Medallic Art, Philately, and Postcard Collecting from the NMHM Collection”

January 3 – December 31, 2025

Mihai Eminescu, one of the most prominent figures of Romanian culture, is celebrated through an exceptional mini-exhibition hosted in the Bronze Hall of the National Museum of History of Moldova. This exhibition reveals a unique perspective on the national poet, reflected through objects of remarkable artistic and historical value. Items from the fields of medallic art, philately, and postcard collecting, each telling its own story, reconstruct the image of the poet in details that transcend time.

The exhibition atmosphere is marked by works created by talented artists from Moldova, Romania, Latvia, and Russia, each contributing their own interpretation of the Eminescian legacy. Among them stand out Constantin Dumitrescu, Vasile Gabor, Maximilian Fetița, Ștefan Grudinschi, Janis Strupulis, and Aleksandr Baklanov, whose creations offer an engaging insight into the poet's life and work. The exhibited medals evoke various themes, from the emblematic friendship with Ion Creangă, his study trips to Vienna, Berlin, and other European cultural centers, to the image of his parents, Gheorghe and Raluca Eminovici, who profoundly influenced his development. Engraved portraits of the poet, inspired by the four iconic photographs, complete this vibrant image.

A special place is occupied by rare pieces, such as the commemorative "1 ruble" coin issued in 1989 on the centenary of the poet's death, crafted by Aleksandr Baklanov at the Saint Petersburg Mint. Other medals, such as "The Eminescu Constellation," depicting the poet's family, and "The Signature of Poet M. Eminescu," offer personal details and symbols associated with him. Additionally, the series "Basarabia Grateful" brings into focus the connection between Eminescu's legacy and the community's gratitude for the cultural values perpetuated.


The postcards presented in the exhibition capture essential aspects of Mihai Eminescu's life and work through collectible postcards. These include portraits of the poet, illustrations inspired by his poems, images of iconic places linked to his life, as well as representations of busts of the poet and monuments erected in his memory. Each postcard becomes a visual testimony to the universal impact his creation had on national and international culture.

The philatelic items showcased bring to the forefront stamp sheets, individual stamps, and philatelic blocks that celebrate Eminescu's personality and work. They are illustrated with images of his family tree and prominent figures in his circle. Issued in Moldova, Romania, and other countries, these philatelic pieces not only reflect respect for the poet's work but also perpetuate his memory in a form accessible to collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide.

The exhibits come from both the museum's collection and donations from renowned collectors such as Ioan Dogaru, Nicolae Curdov, Constantin Dumitrescu, and others. This diversity reflects the profound impact of Eminescu's work on successive generations of creators and admirers. The postcards and stamp sheets contribute to completing the image of the poet, illustrating key moments of his life and evoking the universality of his poetic message.

The public is invited to discover this remarkable collection throughout the year, within an exhibition space that combines elegance with cultural reflection. Visitors will have the opportunity to contemplate the image of the national poet, reflected in artistic creations of inestimable value, which evoke the universal echo of his immortal work. The National Museum of History of Moldova invites you to explore a lesser-known aspect of Mihai Eminescu's legacy, a cultural treasure preserved and celebrated for all generations.


 




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
  
27 March – 30 April 2026
 
September 25, 2025 – September 1, 2026
 
August 11, 2025 – January 31, 2026
 
Over 2500 pieces made of precious metals with historic, artistic and symbolic value
  

Come to Museum! Discover the History!
  
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Summer schedule: daily
10am – 6pm.

Winter schedule: daily
10am – 5pm.
Closed on Mondays.
Entrance fees:  adults - 50 MDL, Pensioners, students - 20 lei, pupils - 10 MDL. Free access: enlisted men (...)

WiFi Free Wi-Fi Zone in the museum: In the courtyard of the National History Museum of Moldova there is Wi-Fi Internet access for visitors.


#Exhibit of the Month

We find ourselves in the month of April, as we prepare to celebrate Easter-a moveable religious holiday rich in festive rituals and ceremonial activities that place this event at the very heart of Christian spiritual life...

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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.
©2006-2026 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.
©2006-2026 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.
©2006-2026 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