#Exhibit of the Month

The work In Memoriam. In Memory of the Heroes Who Fell at the Nistru (1992) was developed within the Center for Culture and Military History and published under the auspices of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, the Bureau for Reintegration, and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Moldova. Authors: Gheorghe Bălan, Vitalie Ciobanu, Gheorghe Cojocaru.

This work provides a retrospective of the events that led to the outbreak of the war on the Nistru, accompanied by photographs of the heroes who lost their lives in the battles to defend the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.

On March 2, 1992, the political conflict in the Nistru region escalated into a true fratricidal war. Under the fabricated pretext of "defending Russia's southern borders," political adventurers from the former Soviet metropolis encouraged Transnistrian separatism by arming secessionist paramilitary groups. At the same time, thousands of mercenary Cossacks and prisoners released early from jails, along with tanks and missiles, were sent against Independent Moldova, in a desperate attempt to revive the fallen empire.

Russia's undeclared war against the Republic of Moldova left behind hundreds of dead and wounded, shattered families, and villages in ruins. More than 50,000 peaceful residents from the conflict zone were forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge from the horrors of war.

For the sake of freedom and the future, Moldova's defenders faced death, enduring the hardships and humiliations of war.

During the Nistru war, 198 soldiers of the National Army and 89 personnel from the Ministry of Internal Affairs lost their lives, while 40 combatants went missing without a trace, and nearly 300 were left disabled.

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Exhibitions

"Royal Echoes from the Interwar Period – Queen Marie and Romanian Chișinău"

March 27 – April 27, 2025

The exhibition "Royal Echoes from the Interwar Period – Queen Marie and Romanian Chișinău" unveils the profound and fascinating influence of Queen Marie on Romania's cultural heritage and identity. Queen Marie was a multifaceted and complex personality: a talented writer, passionate artist, promoter of the Art Nouveau style, and a true symbol of national unity.

Dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Queen Marie’s birth, the exhibition delves into the many facets of her personality. The queen was not only a symbol of diplomacy and interwar elegance but also a style icon, art enthusiast, and cultural heritage advocate. Her role in strengthening national unity and supporting Bessarabia during the interwar period is an essential aspect showcased in this exhibition.

Visitors will have the chance to admire rare books authored by Queen Marie, collectible items, jewelry, period clothing, photographs, documents, and representative artistic works.

The exhibition highlights the queen’s contribution to promoting an authentic national style, her influences on fashion and art, and her literary and artistic activities.

Some of the standout pieces on display include Queen Marie's first-edition books, including autographed copies, her monogrammed cigarette case and pencil, as well as portraits and objects reflecting her passion for art and design. The exhibition also emphasizes Queen Marie’s role as a promoter of an Art Nouveau style with local influences—a unique fusion of Celtic, Byzantine, and traditional Romanian elements.

Organized by the Heritage 21 Foundation, National Museum of History of Moldova, National Institute of Heritage in Romania, National Association of Young Historians in Moldova, and the Institute of Cultural Heritage in Chișinău, the public is invited to explore this chapter of history that links Queen Marie to interwar Chișinău and the region's cultural identity. The event also highlights her contribution to national unity and the recognition of Romanian cultural values.