#Exhibit of the Month

Christmas bells entered the Romanian cultural space through a long process in which archaic traditions blended with Christian belief and European influences. Long before the holiday of Christmas developed as we know it, metallic sounds played an important ritual role in old communities: they were used to drive away evil spirits, to purify spaces, and to protect people during transitional moments at the turn of the year. These beliefs have been preserved in winter customs such as caroling, the Plugușor, and masked dances, where bells and jingles were indispensable.
With the spread of Christianity, the sound of the bell also acquired a profound religious meaning, becoming an announcer of major feasts and a symbol of the Nativity. Small bells, however, were not originally used as decorations but primarily as functional or ritual objects.
The first decorated Christmas tree in the Romanian lands was the one at the palace of Prince Carol I of Hohenzollern, following his arrival in the Romanian Principalities in 1866. From that moment the tradition took root, and on Christmas Eve princes and princesses invited to the palace would take part in decorating the tree. Among the ornaments used were small metal bells, symbolizing joy, the good news, and divine protection for the home.
In the twentieth century, Christmas bells spread across all Romanian provinces and became a visual emblem of the holiday, appearing in both decorations and carols. Even during periods when religious expression was curtailed, bells remained in people's homes as signs of joy and the continuity of tradition. Today they retain this dual meaning: the echo of ancient beliefs and, at the same time, the announcement of the Birth of Christ - a symbol of hope, light, and the link between past and present.
These tinkling pieces are part of a generous heritage collection at the National Museum of History of Moldova (NMHM), which includes more than 200 cultural items. A substantial contribution to the museum's collection of decorative bells was made by Dorina Raischi, a teacher at School No. 94 in Chișinău, who donated 174 bells, of which around 30 are winter-themed. Made of ceramic, porcelain, glass, and metal, they were brought from different parts of the world and together offer a succinct picture of the global culture of bells. They add a festive note to the home and even to a gift, and it is hard to imagine Christmas without their cheerful tinkling.

Virtual Tour

Exhibitions

"Secrets of Ancient Egypt"

February 25 - April 30, 2017

Starting with February 25, the National Museum of History of Moldova will host the first interactive history exhibition dedicated to children "Secrets of Ancient Egypt".

We invite you to a unique interactive journey, during which you will learn about enigmas of the Great Sphinx of Giza, mysteries of the pharaohs, secrets of the pyramids, meaning of amulets.

Offer your child an unforgettable experience!

The exhibition "Secrets of Ancient Egypt" is recommended for children aged 5 to 15 years. This includes presentations and explanations of moments, characters and essential habits of Ancient Egypt - one of the most exciting periods of history, combining historical facts related to children with elements of mockup, interactive workshops with educational purposes.

The unique concept of the exhibition "Secrets of Ancient Egypt" allows interaction with the exhibits and involves younger audiences in the game. During the visit, the children will enter into a pyramid, will sit on the throne of the Pharaoh, will open a sarcophagus, will know the art of mummification and old writing, will create themselves amulets and jewelry similar to that of ancient times, will discover the meaning of things they touch.

Details on: www.historyhackers.md and on the official Facebook page of the project: https://www.facebook.com/historyhackersmd.

The exhibition „Secrets of Ancient Egypt" will be open to the public at the National Museum of History of Moldova (rooms on the ground floor) from February 25 to April 30, 2017.

The exhibition can be visited in groups only, by appointment. Programming is at tel.: 079 833 533.

Groups of visitors should consist of at least 5 and maximum 35 persons.

Exhibition visiting hours:
Monday-Sunday, 10.00-17.00 (until March 26);
10.00-18.00 (from March 27).
Without rest days.

The exhibition will be closed for public on Easter (April, 16-17) and Parent's Day (April, 23-24).

The last group will enter the exhibition at 16.15 (in winter time until 26.03. 2017) and at 17.15 (in summer time from 27.03.2017).

The ticket office closes at 16.15 (in winter time) and at 17.15 (in summer time).

Cost of tickets:

120 lei

Special facilities for entrance tickets:

• Preschool children - free entrance;
• Students who will be visiting the exhibition in groups larger than 15 persons will pay 110 lei/per person, and the attendant from the educational institution will have free access;
• Institutionalized children - free on Tuesday.

Tickets can be purchased from the museum tickets office and online (iTicket).

Come to the exhibition and win the treasure of the Pharaohs!

Buy one ticket and receive a coupon, fill it in and drop it in the special box at the entrance in the exhibition room and wait the draw day.

Every three weeks will be drawn valuable prizes which you have a chance to win!

The pharaohs wish you good luck!