National Museum of Fine Arts, Chisinau

One site that is invariably present on the list of every visitor to Chisinau is the National Museum of Fine Arts 鈥� not just because of it being the home of some of the best works of art in the region, but also because it stands as a remarkable architectural monument.

Built in the mid 19th century by famous Russian architect Alexander Bernardazzi, this historic structure, unlike many others in Chisinau, has successfully survived a number of natural and human attempts to destroy it. This is partially the reason why it remains one of the most treasured local monuments and a source of many tales from the past. Over the years it has housed a school, gymnasium, hospital and warehouse, prior to becoming the home of fine arts collections.

The museum was founded in 1939 by famous local sculptor, Alexandru Pl膬m膬deal膬, in partnership with Auguste Baillayre, the French painter who later became the first director of the museum. It is said that Alexandru Pl膬m膬deal膬 personally selected 160 works of Bessarabian and Romanian artists to set up the museum's first gallery. Apart from viewing the collection itself, visitors to the museum can learn about many of its lost treasures 鈥� a rather exciting story.

Why You Should Visit:
A nicely refurbished museum, very suitable for art exhibitions. The current collection has a good selection of old and very modern paintings/sculptures. You can see that the staff makes efforts to present the permanent collection properly and also to organize interesting temporary exhibits.

Tip:
The museum can be visited in about an hour and a half, including temporary exhibitions.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chisinau. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: National Museum of Fine Arts
Sight Location: Chisinau, Moldova (See walking tours in Chisinau)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Bernardazzi Architecture Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Chisinau, Moldova

Create Your Own Walk in Chisinau

Creating your own self-guided walk in Chisinau is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Bernardazzi Architecture Walking Tour

Talented people are often able to leave their mark in the hearts of the posterity long after they are gone. Centuries fly but the power of the beauty persists, especially if set in the stones of the buildings designed by distinguished architects. Moldova's capital is blessed in this respect as the place associated with Alexander Bernardazzi, a Russian architect of Swiss-Italian descent who... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles

Chisinau Historical Sites

Although the history of Chisinau accounts for just over 500 years, whilst that of Moldova, as a nation, even less than that 鈥� since 1991, Moldovan culture and language are deeply rooted in the ancient Roman tradition. Just as the Eternal City, Chisinau rests on seven hills 鈥� in the valley of the River Bic, and has a replica statue of the Capitoline Wolf in the downtown area. Whereas most of... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.5 Km or 3.4 Miles

Best Wine and Brandy Shops

Given the lack of stunning scenery 鈥� no turquoise waters or snow-clad mountains 鈥� Moldova is a country not overrun by tourists. Still, those who come here, usually do so to taste the local wines and brandies 鈥� Moldova is a seasoned grape and spirit producer. The locals are very lovable and hospitable people, genuinely ready to delight strangers with their internationally-renowned booze. Here... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles

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Chisinau is the capital of Moldova, a small nation in Eastern Europe landlocked between Romania and Ukraine. For many years this land had been part of the Russian Empire and then the Soviet Union, until it finally gained independence in 1991. For this reason the city is also often referred to as Kishinev, which is the Russian version of the name.

While the true origin of the name is unclear,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles

Stefan cel Mare Blvd Walk

Stefan cel Mare Boulevard is arguably the most prominent streets of the Moldovan capital. The 3.8-km thoroughfare is lined with numerous buildings of social and political importance, cultural institutions, shops, and restaurants.

Historically, it is believed to have stemmed from the road that led into the city from the Russian military camp stationed to the west of Chisinau in 1789. Long before... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip

Chisinau Shopping Guide: 20 Moldovan Products to Take Home

Once part of the Soviet Union, now independent Moldova is a small country sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, of which still very little is known. To mend this, the country has recently opened borders to the outside world. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity and acquaint yourself with...

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