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National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History: A Cultural Gem

Explore Moldova's oldest museum in Chisinau, showcasing the nation's natural history and cultural heritage through diverse exhibits and collections.

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Founded in 1889, the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History in Chișinău is Moldova's oldest museum, showcasing the region's rich cultural and natural heritage. Housed in a distinctive Moorish-style building, the museum boasts extensive collections, from paleontology to ethnography, offering a comprehensive look at the country's evolution.

A brief summary to National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History

Local tips

  • Visit the museum's botanical garden and vivarium to see local plants and exotic animals.
  • Check the museum's schedule for temporary exhibitions, seminars, and master classes.
  • Allow at least an hour to explore the museum's extensive collections thoroughly.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History is located on Mihail Kogalniceanu Street in Chișinău. From Ștefan cel Mare Central Park, walk west along Ștefan cel Mare Boulevard, then turn left onto Mihail Kogalniceanu Street. The museum will be on your right, a short walk from the city center.

  • Public Transport

    You can reach the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History via trolleybuses or buses. Many routes pass near the museum. Check local transport apps like map.md or moovit for the most convenient route from your location. A single ride costs 6 MDL. Pay the conductor on board.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Chișinău and offer a convenient way to reach the museum. You can hail a taxi on the street or use ride-sharing apps like Yandex Go or iTaxi. Ensure the driver uses the taximeter. A short taxi ride in the city center typically costs between 51.5 MDL. Base fee is 30 MDL, plus 4.3 MDL per kilometer.

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Discover more about National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History

The National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, established in 1889, stands as Moldova's oldest museum and a significant cultural and scientific institution. Originally founded as a museum of agriculture, it broadened its scope to encompass the study of Bessarabian culture, now presenting an extensive heritage of approximately 135,000 exhibits. The museum's collections span various fields, including paleontology, geology, zoology, archaeology, ethnography, and numismatics. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing Moldova's flora and fauna, the evolution of Moldovan ethnicity, and the traditions of its people. A highlight is the life-sized reconstruction of a Dinothere skeleton, an ancient elephant-like mammal. The museum also features a botanical garden with a vivarium, displaying prevalent plant species and exotic birds, reptiles and fish. The museum building, completed in 1905 and designed by architect Vladimir Tsyganko, features a distinctive façade with a triangular pediment supported by Doric columns. Inside, the permanent exhibition, titled “Nature. Human. Culture,” covers over 2000 square meters, illustrating the relationship between humans and nature throughout history. The museum hosts temporary exhibitions, seminars, master classes, and festivals, highlighting both local and international collections.

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