A 1974 Soviet collectible postcard depicting the facade of the Republican Museum of History and Local Lore in Chișinău.
What is shown on the postcard
The photograph captures a section of the museum’s main facade, designed in the Pseudo-Moorish style. Visible elements include characteristic horseshoe arches over the windows and entrance, decorative tile mosaic patterns below the cornice, and a crenelated parapet on the roof. On the left is a stone fence with metal grates. Pedestrians walk along the shaded sidewalk in the foreground.
Historical note
The museum building was constructed between 1903 and 1905 according to the design of architect Vladimir Tsyganko to house the Zoological, Agricultural, and Handicraft Museum of the Bessarabian Zemstvo. It is the only building in Moldova fully executed in the Pseudo-Moorish style. During the Soviet period, it housed the State Museum of History and Local Lore of the Moldavian SSR.
Present day
Today, the building houses the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History (Muzeul Național de Etnografie și Istorie Naturală). This architectural monument of national significance is fully preserved, continuing to exhibit extensive scientific collections dedicated to the nature and culture of the region.
Location (map)
Address: 82 Mihail Kogălniceanu St, Chișinău, Moldova
Coordinates: 47.022718, 28.819777
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Yandex Maps.
Questions and answers
- What architectural style is the museum building built in? The building is constructed entirely in the Pseudo-Moorish style, which is unique for Moldovan architecture.
- Who designed the museum building? The building was designed by architect Vladimir Tsyganko in the early 20th century.
- What institution occupies the building today? Today, it houses the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History of the Republic of Moldova.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Chișinău from 1974.
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