On 25 June 2026, the National Library of the Republic of Moldova, in partnership with the Romanian Cultural Institute “Mihai Eminescu” in Chișinău, inaugurated the exhibition The Thread of Identity: Traditional Romanian Costume in Book Illustration by Visual Artists from the Republic of Moldova. Dedicated to the National Day of Traditional Costume, the exhibition highlights the artistic representation of traditional Romanian costume in book illustration and promotes the cultural heritage preserved in the collections of the National Library of the Republic of Moldova.

Drawing on representative documents from the Library’s collections, the exhibition brings together illustrated books, children’s publications, postcards, and other printed materials in which traditional costume is presented as an authentic expression of cultural identity and the continuity of traditional values. The selected works demonstrate the richness of the Library’s documentary heritage while offering visitors the opportunity to explore the visual interpretation of Romanian folk costume through the work of visual artists from the Republic of Moldova.

Through the works on display, visitors discover how Moldovan artists have translated the literary universe into visual language, highlighting, through colour, ornament, symbolism, and artistic composition, the beauty and expressiveness of traditional Romanian costume. The exhibition emphasizes the close relationship between literature, art, and tradition, while illustrating the important role of book illustration in promoting cultural heritage and fostering the public’s aesthetic awareness.

The exhibition also draws attention to the regional diversity of traditional costume and to its presence in publications intended for both adults and children. By presenting traditional costume in literary and artistic contexts, the exhibition contributes to strengthening the sense of cultural belonging, promoting the value of ethnographic heritage, and preserving the memory of cultural identity.

Comprising approximately 280 items from the Library’s collections, the exhibition aims to attract new categories of visitors, increase public interest in the National Library’s collections, and familiarize audiences with the diversity of documentary materials preserved as part of the institution’s heritage. At the same time, it promotes reading, highlights the artistic value of book illustration, and reinforces the Library’s role as a centre for cultural education and artistic dialogue.

By showcasing the work of visual artists from the Republic of Moldova, the exhibition encourages a deeper appreciation of cultural heritage and Romanian folk traditions, emphasizing the importance of local visual culture in shaping aesthetic sensitivity. At the same time, it supports cultural and aesthetic education, fostering respect for identity values and the national artistic heritage.

The National Day of Traditional Costume was established in the Republic of Moldova by Parliamentary Decision No. 194/2015 and is celebrated annually on the last Sunday of June. The celebration recognizes traditional costume as one of the most representative expressions of the country’s cultural heritage and identity, while encouraging its preservation and promotion for future generations.

Text by: Elena Pintilei, Director General, National Library of the Republic of Moldova

Translated by: Mariana Kiriakov, Chief specialist, National Library of the Republic of Moldova

Links:

https://tinyurl.com/3w336znb

https://tinyurl.com/254u7tvv

https://tinyurl.com/3xcrssjk