National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History

The National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History is Moldova's oldest museum, founded in 1889. Housed in a striking Moorish-style building from 1905, it contains over 135,000 exhibits covering Moldova's natural history, archaeology, and ethnography. Highlights include a complete skeleton of a Deinotherium (ancient elephant relative) found in Moldova, traditional folk costumes, agricultural tools, and geological specimens. The building itself is an architectural landmark.

Practical Information

Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Visit Duration

Minimum1 hours

Recommended1.5 hours

Maximum2.5 hours

Entrance Fee

Adult

10 MDL~10.0 $

Child

5 MDL~5.0 $

Photo/video extra 15 MDL. Oldest museum in Moldova (1889). 135,000 exhibits. Includes Botanical Garden with vivarium

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings for fewer crowds; allow 2-3 hours for full visit

Crowd Level

Low — few visitors

Official Website

How to Get There

Located on Kogalniceanu Street, about 15-minute walk from the city center. Take trolleybus 1, 4, or 22 to nearby stops.

What to Expect

A comprehensive museum in a beautiful historic building. Natural history exhibits include fossils, minerals, and wildlife dioramas. Ethnographic collections showcase traditional Moldovan village life, crafts, and customs. Photography allowed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

Not available

Facilities & Services

toilets

museum

gift shop

botanical garden

Working Hours

Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Tuesday10:00 — 18:00

Wednesday10:00 — 18:00

Thursday10:00 — 18:00

Friday10:00 — 18:00

Saturday10:00 — 18:00

Sunday10:00 — 18:00

Note

Last admission at 17:00. Museum has botanical garden with vivarium

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access

Fully accessible

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faq.subtitle National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History

The Deinotherium was a prehistoric elephant-like mammal that lived 5-10 million years ago. The museum's complete skeleton was discovered in Moldova and is one of the most significant paleontological finds in the region.

Most exhibits have descriptions in Romanian and Russian. English audio guides or printed guides are available at the entrance for a small fee. Staff members can sometimes provide basic information in English.

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History

Don't miss the impressive Deinotherium skeleton on the ground floor. The Moorish architecture of the building is worth photographing. Pick up an English guide at the entrance. Combined ticket available with other national museums.

Located on Kogalniceanu Street, about 15-minute walk from the city center. Take trolleybus 1, 4, or 22 to nearby stops.

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