#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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Events Archive

Opening of the exhibition “One Museum, 11 Cultures, 1001 Stories”

23 May 2026

As part of the program dedicated to the International Museum Day and the European Night of Museums, the National Museum of History of Moldova inaugurated on 23 May 2026 the exhibition "One Museum, 11 Cultures, 1001 Stories". The event brought together representatives of the diplomatic community, cultural organizations, and the public, marking a moment of reflection on the role of museums in promoting diversity and intercultural dialogue.

At the official opening, speeches were delivered by Dr. hab. Eugen Sava, General Director of NMHM, Livia Ermurachi, curator of the exhibition, and Elena Ursu, member of the International Women's Club of Moldova. They emphasized the importance of international collaboration and the valorisation of cultural heritage as a means of bringing communities closer together.

The exhibition showcases a wide collection of objects donated or loaned by embassies, international organizations, and ethnic communities - traditional costumes, handicraft artifacts, jewellery, historical documents, and everyday items - symbols of friendship and cooperation among nations. Through the involvement of embassies and partner institutions, the event strengthens cultural diplomacy and offers visitors a unique educational experience.

During the opening, gratitude and appreciation were expressed to all embassies and organizations that contributed to the realization of the exhibition, for their support in promoting cultural diversity and democratic values.

The exhibition "One Museum, 11 Cultures, 1001 Stories" will remain open to the public between 23 May - 23 June 2026, inviting visitors to discover the cultural heritage of the world in a space of dialogue and unity.