#Exhibit of the Month

The Chișinău Diocesan Girls' School opened its doors on May 3, 1864, addressing a pressing need: in Bessarabia there were no institutions dedicated to the education of clergy's daughters. According to the 1864 circular, teaching was conducted in the Romanian language, a provision applied throughout the diocese. The school's first headmistress was Anastasia Rizo, of noble origin, invited by Archbishop Antonie.

The curriculum, approved by the Ministry of Public Education and the Chișinău Diocese, combined theoretical subjects with practical training. Students studied religion, reading and writing in Romanian, Slavonic, and Russian, arithmetic and exercises in calculation, world history and geography. The program was complemented by church singing and practical skills such as sewing, embroidery, knitting, as well as household management - baking bread and prosphora, preparing meals and preserves, caring for livestock, and cultivating gardens.

The composite, taken in 1911 at the studio of Z. N. Sumovski in Chișinău, depicts 29 graduates and 13 teachers. At the center are portraits of Bishop Serafim (Ciciagov), headmistress N. R. Mihelson, teacher V. E. Bejerian, and priests F. Ghiliarov and P. Jurikas. Among the teaching staff was Paraskovia Vasilievna Cuciurenko, a calligraphy teacher for 37 years, who in 1911 became senior educator and assistant headmistress. For her dedication, she was awarded the gold medal "For Long Service."

On the reverse of the vignette is a label from the store and workshop of frames, paintings, mirrors, and window glass owned by A. D. Kon'gova, Chișinău, Gogol Street no. 37, near the State Bank.

This graduation composite was donated at the end of 2025 to the National Museum of History of Moldova by the Dadiștian family from Drochia.

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Exhibitions

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

March 27 – April 27, 2025

The exhibition "Royal Echoes from the Interwar Period – Queen Marie and Romanian Chișinău" unveils the profound and fascinating influence of Queen Marie on Romania's cultural heritage and identity. Queen Marie was a multifaceted and complex personality: a talented writer, passionate artist, promoter of the Art Nouveau style, and a true symbol of national unity.

Dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Queen Marie’s birth, the exhibition delves into the many facets of her personality. The queen was not only a symbol of diplomacy and interwar elegance but also a style icon, art enthusiast, and cultural heritage advocate. Her role in strengthening national unity and supporting Bessarabia during the interwar period is an essential aspect showcased in this exhibition.

Visitors will have the chance to admire rare books authored by Queen Marie, collectible items, jewelry, period clothing, photographs, documents, and representative artistic works.

The exhibition highlights the queen’s contribution to promoting an authentic national style, her influences on fashion and art, and her literary and artistic activities.

Some of the standout pieces on display include Queen Marie's first-edition books, including autographed copies, her monogrammed cigarette case and pencil, as well as portraits and objects reflecting her passion for art and design. The exhibition also emphasizes Queen Marie’s role as a promoter of an Art Nouveau style with local influences—a unique fusion of Celtic, Byzantine, and traditional Romanian elements.

Organized by the Heritage 21 Foundation, National Museum of History of Moldova, National Institute of Heritage in Romania, National Association of Young Historians in Moldova, and the Institute of Cultural Heritage in Chișinău, the public is invited to explore this chapter of history that links Queen Marie to interwar Chișinău and the region's cultural identity. The event also highlights her contribution to national unity and the recognition of Romanian cultural values.