#Exhibit of the Month

The music is recorded on a cylinder with pins. The interior is divided into three compartments: the first contains the crank and the mechanism that operates the cylinder with pins, the second - the cylinder with pins and vibrating lamellae, and the third - two levers for starting and stopping the melody. The cylinder holds seven melodies by W.A. Mozart, which are played through the vibration of steel teeth arranged in a comb, whose tips are adjacent to the cylinder. The lid of the box features floral marquetry on its outer surface. This cultural asset is classified under the "Tezaur" category.

The Story of Musical Boxes

Musical boxes originated in Switzerland at the end of the 18th century. In 1796, watchmaker Antoine Favre-Salomon invented a pocket watch with an incorporated musical mechanism, using the principle of tuned metal lamellae. The invention quickly spread, soon leading to the creation of musical boxes independent of watches.

Initially invented and built for the salon entertainment of the aristocracy, musical boxes quickly evolved, capturing the market and public interest with these entertainment machines. The musical box industry was predominantly centered in Switzerland. Geneva remains the cradle of the musical box, even though the art of crafting these musical wonders spread to other regions of Switzerland - such as Jura, Auberson, and Sainte Croix - and later to other countries, including France, Germany, and Czechoslovakia. Some of the most notable manufacturers of musical boxes include: Mermod Frères, Paillard, Reuge, Thorens, Cuendet, Junod, Nicole Frères, Ducommun-Girod, Brémond, and L'Epee.

The musical box operated on a relatively simple principle: a cylinder with pins (cylindrical pins) would, through rotation, actuate a metal "comb" tuned to specific musical notes, both being concealed from view in one of the box's compartments. By turning the cylinder - with the help of a spring mechanism (similar to that of watches) - the pins would strike the steel "teeth" of the comb, causing them to vibrate and produce different musical notes. A musical box could have a limited number of melodies "programmed" onto the cylinder - from 4 to 12.

Over time, the cylinders were replaced with interchangeable metal discs. Based on this operating principle, large musical boxes emerged in cafés and taverns, which could be activated by inserting a coin, allowing users to select their preferred disc.

Besides the ingenious mechanism, musical boxes also stood out for the artistry of their exterior decorations, featuring materials such as precious woods, mother-of-pearl, ivory, and metal.

The decline of musical boxes began with the invention of the phonograph (1877) and the gramophone (1887). Production continued for a while, but by the early 20th century, most renowned companies had abandoned the business and started manufacturing other mechanical musical instruments.

Virtual Tour

Events Archive

Opening of the photographic art exhibition "Impressions of India"

June 4, 2024

On June 4, at the National Museum of History of Moldova, the opening of the photographic art exhibition "Impressions from India" by the artist Paul Bock (USA), organized by the International Association "Euro Photo Art" from Oradea (AIEFA) took place.

This exhibition, organized under the auspices of the International Federation of Photographic Art recognized by UNESCO, in collaboration with the National Museum of History of Moldova, the Embassy of India in Romania and the Republic of Moldova, and Summit Agro Romania, part of the Japanese Corporation "Sumitomo", supporter of agriculture and of art, presents a selection of 50 large photographs taken by Paul Bock, originally from Oradea and AIEFA member. The photos were captured during a trip to India in the year 2022.

The General Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Ana Varzari, the former Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Natalia Gavriliță, the Deputy Mayor of Chisinau, Angela Cutasevici, the Ambassador of India to Romania, the Republic of Moldova and Albania, Rahul Shrivastava, the curator of the exhibition, the photographer Ștefan Tóth István, the president of AFIAP, ESFIAP, and representatives of the Summit Agro Company from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Bulgaria and Adria.

The general director of NMHM, Eugen Sava, stated that this is the first thematic exhibition dedicated to India hosted by the National Museum of History of Moldova. "For the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, India is an enigma, and through this exhibition, supported by the Embassy of India, we have the opportunity to discover this country with a rich history. This is proof of the international collaboration between our countries".

Ana Varzari, General Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, emphasized that the "Impressions of India" exhibition is not just a simple collection of photographs. "These impressive images provide a window into a millennia-old civilization, India's tourist attractions and beauties, its daily life and culture. Last year, the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova was opened in New Delhi, which we hope will become a catalyst for bilateral projects. We hope this exhibition will help our citizens to know India better."

India's Ambassador to Romania, Republic of Moldova and Albania, Rahul Shrivastava, highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy and cultural relations between the two countries, thanking the National History Museum of Moldova for hosting the exhibition.

During the event, the photo album "Impressions from India" by Paul Bock was launched, made with the financial support of the Embassy of India in Romania and published by "Euro Foto Art" Publishing House. Viola artist Thurzó Sándor József from Oradea performed several pieces from the Indian repertoire, including "Poor Heart" by A.R. Rahman, 'Fire in Poroshmoni City' by R. Tagore, 'I Still Want You' by Mithoon and 'Sare Jahan Se Acha' by Suhale Mazoor.

The photographic art exhibition "Impressions from India" can be seen until June 30, in the hall on the ground floor of the National Museum of History of Moldova, Chisinau, str. 31 August 1989, 121A.

#Exhibit of the Month

Musical Box, Switzerland, ca. 1880. Walnut wood, metal, glass

Opening of the photographic art exhibition "Impressions of India"

June 4, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month