#Exhibit of the Month

Around thirty icons from the collection of the National Museum of History of Moldova feature Saint Nicholas the Hierarch and Miracle Worker. While most represent the later iconographic tradition, a few early images stand out as rare examples due to their composition.
In the icon "Saint Nicholas with Scenes from His Life", the hierarch is depicted bust-length, blessing the Gospel. He is framed by two round medallions showing Christ and the Mother of God, who hand him the Gospel and the omophorion. Saint Nicholas, earlier than other saints, was portrayed with scenes from his hagiographic cycle. The first images of his life date back to the 11th century, represented on a folding icon from the Monastery of Saint Catherine at Sinai.

The museum icon dates from the early 19th century, preserving the traditional chest format typical of classical icons. Twelve panels illustrate episodes from the saint's life, arranged from left to right: four on the upper register, four on the lower, and two on each side, as follows: Birth of Saint Nicholas (1), Baptism of Saint Nicholas (2), Miracle of Healing the Crippled Woman (3), Apprenticeship of Young Nicholas (4), Ordination as Deacon (5), Ordination as Bishop (6) Vision of Constantine (7), Saint Nicholas Saves Three Voivodes from Execution (8), Miracle of Rescue from Drowning (9), Miracle of Saving Basil from the Arabs (10), Dormition of Saint Nicholas (11), Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas to Bari (12).

Saint Nicholas the Hierarch is commemorated by the Orthodox Church twice a year: on December 6/19, the day of his birth, and on May 9/22, the day his relics were transferred from Myra to Bari (1087). Among all saints of the Christian world, the image of Saint Nicholas is one of the most popular, easily recognizable even to those unfamiliar with iconography.

He was born in the Roman Empire, at Patara in the province of Lycia, between 260-280, though early sources omit the exact date. Coming from a wealthy family, he rejected fame and luxury. From an early age he devoted himself to prayer and the study of Holy Scripture, while also mastering other disciplines. He avoided noisy gatherings and idle talk, attended church regularly, and pursued a life of chastity. Later he dedicated himself to pastoral ministry, defending the Christian faith with perseverance and firmly opposing heresies.
Through his care for people and the benefactions he performed everywhere, he became highly venerated not only in Myra but also in the surrounding regions. The grace of the Holy Spirit dwelling in his heart was revealed through miracles performed both during his life and after his death, earning him the enduring title of "Miracle Worker." Saint Nicholas passed away in the 330s (circa 334-337), and his remains were placed in a sumptuous marble tomb in the episcopal cathedral where he had served for many years. This soon became an important center of pilgrimage.
Holy Tradition has preserved with accuracy the features of his portrait, and his appearance in icons is marked by a distinct individuality. Ecclesiastical art has produced numerous iconographic representations, ranging from bust images to full-length depictions. The diversity of these representations suggests that the final iconography of Saint Nicholas was not yet established, taking shape only in the 10th-11th centuries. It is said that an authentic icon from the basilica in Myra, executed during the saint's lifetime and mentioned in written sources as early as the 11th century, played a significant role in his veneration.
Icons depicting the hagiographic cycle of Saint Nicholas spread widely in both Byzantine and post-Byzantine art, confirming the importance and popularity of his cult.

Virtual Tour

Events Archive

The International Museum Day and European Night of Museums

18 May 2019

National Museum of History of Moldova, under the patronage of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research, organized on May 18, 2019, between 10.00 – 24.00, the International Museum Day and European Night of Museums. This year the events was held under the theme “Museums as Cultural Hubs: The future of tradition”.

Program included:

Visit of the Exhibitions

1. Permanent exhibitions „History and civilization”

2. Innovatic Fest Roboshow, rooms 1-4, 10:00 – 24:00

At the exhibition visitors enjoyed the poetry recitals by the Tespian robot and danced together with the dancing robots, remained amazed at the ease with which robot spiders overcome obstacles and fascinated for life by the star of the Las Vegas Innovation Exhibition 2019 - the puppy Aibo!

Access to the exhibition “Innovatic fest” was possible with discounted tickets.

3. “Bucharest: a Novecento portrait”, the lobby, from 10:00 to 24:00

The temporary exhibition about the 20^th century Bucharest bringed this city to the attention of the public from the perspective of a twentieth-century journey, without limiting itself to the evolution of urban society, but also trying to show some changes in behavior, way of life, concerns, living and indoor surroundings.

4. “Fashion and style in Chişinău and Bucharest of the 30s", room 12 / Blue Room, 10:00 - 24:00

A unique collection of dresses of the famous stars of the Romanian stage and some of the most rare accessories from the 30's of the 20^th century. Every dress has a special story.

The exhibition represents a retrospective of fashionable silhouettes of those years, which fits perfectly with the interior of the National Museum of History of Moldova. Guests will also be able to admire several images that demonstrate the beauty, elegance, expressiveness of the silhouettes and the glow of the creations of that time.

5. New pieces from the collection of the National Museum of History of Moldova.

In the framework of the exhibition “Antiquity and Medieval Age” were presented, for the first time, copies of two metopes from the Trajan's Column and the layout of the Căuşeni Church.

Participation in the Events

1. Book presentation „Piese de giuvaergie antică din colecțiile Muzeului Național de Istorie a Moldovei”, author Ana Niculiță, blue room of the museum, 12:00.

2. Chamber music concert, National Chamber Orchestra, Conductor Vladimir Andrieș, blue room of the museum, 13:30 – 14:30

3. Musical show performed by the students of the lyceum S. Rahmaninov, blue room of the museum, 16:00 – 17:00

4. A movie at the museum. „Expedițiile memoriei”, room 10 / Modern history. OWH Studio; recent productions from the Cronograf Festival. 17:00 – 20:00

5. Painting on ceramics workshop. Room 6 / Red Room.

Workshop by Svetlana Şugjda (Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, “Ion Creangă” State Pedagogical University) and Alena Stoica, ceramist artist. Visitors had the opportunity to paint decorative motifs typical for the Cucuteni culture and to take home their works. My pot - my work! from 10:00 to 16:00

6. Medieval calligraphy workshop. Room 8.

Handing feathers and nibs on old paper with wonderful inks, visitors wrote their own letters and papers, strengthened them with the seal of the museum and gave them to their loved ones. No one left the museum without a memory! from 10:00 to 16:00

7. Craftsmen fair (with selling). Museum courtyard, 10:00 – 20:00

Creative workshops with the participation of craftsmen

Ion Prividiuc – potter

Grigore Pasternac – carpenter

Oksana Bureak – jewelry from leather and natural stones

Victor Pelin - carpenter

Nadejda Sîrbu – toys from clay

Olga Koshel – potter

8. Night concert, museum courtyard, from 20:30 – 23:00

... and other beautiful surprises!

On May 18, 2019, between 10:00 and 24:00 hours, access to the museum's rooms and participation in all activities from the program, with the exception of the Innovatic fest exhibition, were free of charge.

#Exhibit of the Month

Icon “Saint Nicholas with Scenes from His Life”

The International Museum Day and European Night of Museums

18 May 2019

Participation in the Events

#Exhibit of the Month