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National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History: A Cultural and Scientific Treasure

Explore Moldova's oldest museum in Chisinau, showcasing rich ethnography, natural history, and unique exhibits like the giant dinothere skeleton.

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Founded in 1889, the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History in Chișinău is Moldova's oldest museum, showcasing the nation's rich cultural heritage and natural history. Housed in a distinctive pseudo-Moorish style building, the museum features extensive collections, including a complete dinothere skeleton, offering visitors a glimpse into Moldova's past and present.

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Local tips

  • Don't miss the botanical garden and vivarium within the museum grounds, featuring local plant species and exotic wildlife.
  • Check for temporary exhibitions and events, which often highlight local handicrafts and cultural traditions.
  • Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds and allow ample time to explore the extensive collections.
  • Be sure to see the complete skeleton of Dinoterium Gigantisimus, a unique and impressive exhibit.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History is accessible via Chișinău's public transportation network. Trolleybuses and buses are readily available and connect to main parts of the city. A single ride on a trolleybus or bus costs 6 MDL. Pay the conductor on board. Check local mobile apps such as map.md or moovit for available routes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are 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. Taxi fares are calculated using a taximeter. A 5km ride in Chișinău costs around 51.5 MDL. Ensure the driver resets the taximeter before starting your journey.

  • Walking

    The museum is located on Mihail Kogalniceanu Street 82 and is easily accessible on foot from the city center. From Grădina Publică Ştefan cel Mare şi Sfînt, walk west along Stefan cel Mare Boulevard, then turn left onto Mihail Kogalniceanu Street. The museum will be on your right. The walk is approximately 1km and should take about 15 minutes.

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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 scientific and cultural center. Initially an agricultural museum, it broadened its scope to encompass the study of Bessarabian culture, evolving into a repository of the nation's natural history and ethnographic heritage. The museum's building, completed in 1905, is an architectural landmark designed by Vladimir Tsyganko in a pseudo-Moorish style. Its unique facade, featuring a triangular pediment supported by Doric columns, makes it a recognizable landmark in Chișinău. The museum is divided into two main sections: one dedicated to Moldova's flora and fauna, showcasing its transformation over time, and the other to the traditions and culture of the Moldovan people, tracing the evolution of Moldovan ethnicity. The museum boasts a collection of over 135,000 exhibits, including paleontological, ethnographic, and archaeological finds. A highlight is the skeleton of a gigantic dinothere, a prehistoric mammal that roamed the earth during the Pliocene Epoch. In addition to its indoor exhibits, the museum features a botanical garden, established in 1906, which houses a variety of plant species and a vivarium with exotic birds, reptiles, and fish. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, seminars, and festivals, highlighting both local and international cultural heritage. These events showcase folk creations and handicrafts from across the country. Open daily except Mondays, the museum welcomes visitors to explore its rich collections and learn about Moldova's natural and cultural heritage.

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