European Night of Museums 2026

The public is invited on 23 May to the European Night of Museums, an event organized in museum institutions across the Republic of Moldova. Visitors will enjoy exhibitions, concerts, book launches, creative workshops, and interactive activities dedicated to all ages.

At the National Museum of Romanian Literature, the program will take place between 16:00 and 23:00 and will include the launch of the book “Voices from the Besieged Citadel” by Veronica Boldișor, as well as cultural dialogues with Maria Șleahtițchi, Arcadie Suceveanu, Emilian Galaicu-Păun, Ioan Grecu, Virgil Botnaru, and Nicolae Jelescu.

The National Museum of History of Moldova offers an extensive program, running from 10:00 to 24:00, with free access to permanent and temporary exhibitions. Visitors will be able to take part in origami, textile creation and painting workshops, medieval activities organized by the “Bastion” Association, musical and choreographic programs, exhibition openings, and activities dedicated to cultural diversity. There will also be interactive exhibitions, workshops inspired by Chinese, Polish, and Indian cultures, as well as a musical and choreographic show performed by artistic ensembles from Chișinău.

At the National Art Museum of Moldova, visitors can attend piano, accordion, guitar, flute, and saxophone recitals performed by students and artistic groups from music education institutions. The program also includes workshops for children, teenagers, and adults: origami, abstract painting on water, ikebana, experimental calligraphy, linocut, and photography. The evening will conclude with recitals and activities for all ages, including henna tattoos.

The National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History has also prepared a diverse program, featuring fairs of folk craftsmen, crochet, weaving, embroidery and woodcarving workshops, as well as folk concerts and performances. Visitors will be able to watch fashion shows, exhibition openings, and the screening of the film “The Flower of Life,” dedicated to cultural heritage and folk traditions. The artistic program will culminate with musical recitals and interactive activities taking place until almost midnight.

The European Night of Museums is one of the most important cultural events organized annually in Europe and is held around International Museum Day, celebrated on May 18. The event was initiated in 2005 by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication and is currently held under the patronage of the Council of Europe, UNESCO, and the International Council of Museums (ICOM).