#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

Opening of the Exhibition "Metallurgy – from Magic to Industry"

September 26, 2024

On September 26, 2024, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the opening of the exhibition "Metallurgy - from Magic to Industry," a remarkable event that sheds light on the evolution of metallurgical technologies over time and their impact on society.

In his opening address, Dr. hab. Eugen Sava, General Director of MNIM, welcomed the attendees, emphasizing that the exhibition offers a fascinating journey through the history of metallurgy, from the early metalworking techniques, often considered magical, to its modern industrial applications. Mr. Sava noted that in the past, metalworkers were viewed as sorcerers due to their secret knowledge and extraordinary skills, which inspired Dr. Mariana Sîrbu to propose the exhibition title "Metallurgy - from Magic to Industry." He also mentioned that this exhibition is designed not only for specialists but for all those interested in history and science.

Gheorghe Postică, Head of the Archaeology Department, provided an extensive presentation on archaeological findings that illustrate early metallurgical practices in the Carpathian-Danubian-Pontic area. "These artifacts, dating from the Bronze and Iron Ages, showcase the craftsmanship of ancient artisans and the role of metals in shaping the social and economic hierarchies of those times," he mentioned.

Concluding the event, Dr. Mariana Sîrbu, an archaeology specialist, explained the complexity of metallurgical processes and the innovative techniques used in antiquity. She also highlighted the invaluable contribution of these discoveries to the understanding of technological evolution in Moldova, referencing the unique items on display, such as tools, weapons, and jewelry, all of which hold great historical significance.

The exhibition features approximately 2,200 metallurgical pieces, including works of art and utilitarian objects, tools, machines, and industrial components, each demonstrating advanced metalworking techniques. The fine details and precise craftsmanship of each item underscore the technological and artistic evolution of metallurgy throughout history.

The public is invited to explore this captivating journey through the history of metallurgy until September 26, 2025.