#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.

Virtual Tour

Exhibitions

„Puzzle-Germany”

October 6 – 27, 2015

Germany was divided for over 40 years until reunification on October 3rd, 1990. On October 3rd, 2015 is marked the 25th anniversary from this historic moment highly important for the contemporary history of the Federal Republic of Germany and for European history. October 3rd is the day Germany has become one country on the map of Europe.

Exhibition „Puzzle-Germany” by the Embassy of Germany in Chișinău

German Embassy in Chișinău celebrated the anniversary with a symbolic event - the presentation of a puzzle map with the shape of Germany on the ground floor hall of the National Museum of History of Moldova. At the opening of the event, the Ambassador of Germany in Chișinău, H.E. Ulrike Knotz expressed her gratitude to all the people who approached creatively the topic of Germany's unity and freedom. "We invited young people from Moldova and other countries to present their vision of German reunification under the shape of a puzzle whose elements were painted and later were assembled within the embassy. I believe the result is a successful and inspiring one", concluded the Ambassador.

„Map of Germany" puzzle consists of 28 pieces made by project partners from Republic of Moldova, including Art School „Mihai Dolgan" from Sângerei, Art School „Nicolae Sulac" from Florești, Art School „Maria Cibotari" from Cahul, Plastic Arts School from Bălți, Plastic Arts School from Rezina, Theoretical Lyceum „Mihail Sadoveanu" from Giurgiulești, Theoretical Lyceum „Mihail Kogălniceanu" from Chișinău, Academy of Music, Theater and Plastic Arts, Municipal Library „B.P. Hasdeu" from Chișinău, Kindergarten „Ghiocel" from Vadul lui Vodă, National College of Commerce of ASEM, Charity Association „Filantropia creștină" from Orhei, DAAD Professorship etc. The puzzle pieces were made in different techniques - painting, drawing, modeling, collage, origami, crochet etc.

Puzzle „Map of Germany" means German unity which is a historic community performance and a joint effort of befriended nations. On the other hand, the participation of partners from Moldova to making this puzzle demonstrates strengthening of good relation between Moldova and Germany.

This even is part of action „Together for unity" which involves 34 German diplomatic missions around the world and which highlights the historical moment that happened 25 years ago.

#Exhibit of the Month

Vignette of Graduates and Teachers of the Chișinău Diocesan Girls’ School, 1911

„Puzzle-Germany”

October 6 – 27, 2015

#Exhibit of the Month