The Old and Rare Books Section of the National Library of the Republic of Moldova curated the thematic exhibition “Illustrated Memory of Chisinau”. The exhibition was organised on the occasion of the 590th anniversary of the first documentary attestation of Chisinau. The exhibition includes 113 documents selected from the collections of the Old and Rare Books Section, including 90 postcards that illustrate the urban development of the city. Books published in recent decades were also selected to highlight the latest scientific contributions of local historians, through which the past of the capital city of the Republic of Moldova can be explored. According to the most recent archaeological discoveries, traces of millennia-old habitation have been discovered in the present-day territory of Chisinau.

The selected images highlight how Chisinau evolved from a typical village into a city with beautiful buildings that still existed during the interwar period. Some photos capture the modernization and expansion of Chisinau that took place starting in the second half of the 20th century.

Starting 17 July 2026 the public is invited to rediscover the history of their beloved city, a source of inspiration for poets.

Those interested can visit the exhibition until 30 September 2026, in the Old and Rare Books exhibition space.

Text by: Veronica Cosovan, chief of section Old and Rare Books

Translated by: Mariana Kiriakov, chief specilaist, Managerial Support and International Relations Section

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/cartevechebnrm/posts/pfbid01DAgLRKXnfbfw3vkYNYTPibe1xxiydiBkSZWUoyHZM2MZoHKeJ4JwYKyXKmAEekAl

https://www.facebook.com/BibliotecaNationala/posts/pfbid02qVK8YNBhv1x6uDuw2ous5RyhwZfdcA4zNWe1TFRFM7WQb2EJorqhL656GLkxtRy6l

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/marketingbnrm/posts/pfbid0H5NUydSLZ3bzMLvGHoFubwV1Vc6CoYrabSafFhApsJJw1bYFsHx3Hpi3Vt6t8xZQl