#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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Events Archive

Jubilee of the Master of Arts, Veaceslav Ignatenco

December 6, 2024

On December 6, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted an event dedicated to the 70th anniversary of painter Veaceslav Ignatenco, a prominent figure from the Republic of Moldova, who was awarded the title of "Master in Arts" in 2019.

The ceremony, attended by a distinguished audience, featured speeches by Alexandru Argint, Deputy Director of the National Museum of History of Moldova (NMHM); Ana Babina, President of the Belarusian Cultural Center in the Republic of Moldova; and Veaceslav Ignatenco, the celebrated artist and honoree.

Alexandru Argint highlighted the essential role of the museum not only as an institution dedicated to preserving cultural heritage but also as a dynamic space for cultural and artistic dialogue. He expressed gratitude to the Belarusian Cultural Center in Moldova for organizing the event and fostering cultural exchange between the two countries.

Ana Babina emphasized the universal appeal of Veaceslav Ignatenco's art, which transcends national borders. She noted that his works serve as a cultural bridge between past and present, between nature and spirituality, showcasing how art contributes to strengthening cultural identity.

During the event, the National Museum of History of Moldova received a series of significant donations, including the painting "Mănăstirea Măzărache" from artist Veaceslav Ignatenco and the painting "Nistrul de Azur" from the Belarusian Cultural Center of the Republic of Moldova. Additionally, the Belarusian Cultural Center donated a symbolic decorative plate and a publication dedicated to the cultural relations between Belarusians and Moldovans, highlighting the historical ties and cooperation between the two nations. These works will enrich the museum's collection, offering visitors a unique artistic perspective on Moldovan cultural identity.

Veaceslav Ignatenco expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the museum for its continuous support and elaborated on the significance of the two paintings. He explained that they not only reflect iconic elements of the Moldovan space but also represent fragments of his artistic soul, created with a deep desire to share the beauty and spirituality of his homeland.