National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History

The National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, at Mihail Kogălniceanu Street 82 in central Chișinău, is regarded as Moldova’s oldest museum, founded in 1889. Its permanent exhibition brings nature and folk culture together, from geological eras, soils and landscapes of Moldova to the archaeological cultures between the Prut and the Dniester and a traditional “Casă Mare” interior.

The best-known exhibit is the Deinotherium skeleton, which has a hall of its own. On muzeu.md the museum also highlights temporary exhibitions, a virtual tour, educational programmes, a scientific library, a botanical garden with a vivarium and folk craft fairs.

Visitors are highly satisfied. They praise the rich collection of stuffed animals and dioramas, the prehistoric skeletons, QR-code explanations in several languages and how well the visit works for families with children. Downsides mentioned are the lack of its own parking and a building that needs investment, although many notice changes for the better.

Current opening hours and ticket prices are on the museum website; contact details are on this page.