ARCHAEOLOGICAL CAMPAIGN AUXILIARY CASTLE OF BOLOGA
October 7-23, 2024
Excavation campaign at the praetorium building. The archaeological site is located in Poieni commune, Cluj county.
- Published in ARCHEOLOGY
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH CAMPAIGN – ULPIA TRAIANA SARMIZEGETUSA
TUESDAY-TUESDAY, August TUESDAY
Archaeological research campaign – Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa (entrance gate to the forum – Propylene / the financial prosecutor's palace – Procurator's House / entrance area to the archaeological site of Sarmizegetusa)
- Published in ARCHEOLOGY
PREVENTIVE EXCAVATION CARRIED OUT IN THE IL CARAGIALE PARK IN CLUJ-NAPOCA, ON THE OCCASION OF THE PARK'S REHABILITATION
until August 30, 2024
Following the rehabilitation works concerning the areas IL Caragiale Park and the streets in its vicinity have been surveyed from an archaeological point of view. Following the investigations started in January 2024, several historical masonry structures belonging to the Roman, medieval and modern eras have been revealed.
For the Roman era, in addition to the ceramic material and reused architectural fragments, we can mention that a large building and the enclosure wall with part of the elevation at one point were partially discovered. The medieval wall overlaps the Roman one, but also notable is the partial discovery of a gate on the northern side mentioned in documents in the 15th century, but at the time of the discovery, later restorations were also found. For the modern era, we can mainly mention the partial discovery of the walls of a brewery and a correctional school that were located in the park area in the 19th century. The latter are documented and also appear in photographs of the time. Portions of the Roman and medieval walls, given the very good state of conservation, will be restored and put into historical and archaeological value within the park, and they can be visited by the interested public.
Scientific manager of the construction site, Dr. George Cupcea, in collaboration with Dr. Cosmin Onofrei and Dr. Viorica Rusu-Bolindeț (MNIT), Dr. Sorin Cociș (Institute of Archaeology and Art History, Academy Branch, Cluj-Napoca), Dr. Radu Lupescu (Sapietia University, Cluj-Napoca), Todika Raul, Necșe Karina, Csaba Danél. Beneficiary: Cluj-Napoca City Hall, contractor: construction company SC NordConForest SA. For additional information see:https://www.rfi.fr/ro/rom%C3%A2nia/20240313-zid-din-perioada-imperiului-roman-descoperit-la-cluj-napoca
- Published in ARCHEOLOGY
ARCHAEOLOGICAL CAMPAIGN THE DACIANS FORTRESSES IN THE ORASTIA MOUNTAINS
June – September 2024
During this period, systematic archaeological research was carried out at Grădiștea de Munte – Sarmizegetusa Regia, Luncani – Piatra Roșie and Costești-Cetățuie.
At Sarmizegetusa Regia, excavations continued on the 9th terrace, part of the sanctuary, discovering vestiges of various constructions erected here in Dacian antiquity (the temple of the alignment type, the retaining wall, structures with a delimiting role, etc.).
At Piatra Roșie, research targeted the fortification plateau, to document the temple and the building, identified during the excavations coordinated by Constantin Daicoviciu, in 1949.
At Costești-Cetățuie, the resumption of excavations had a remarkable result, with the limestone foundations of a cult edifice unknown until now being discovered on one of the southeastern terraces of the hill.
The research was funded by the Ministry of Culture and the Hunedoara County Council, and the team was composed of archaeologists and students from the National Museum of Transylvanian History, Babeş-Bolyai University, the Museum of Dacian and Roman Civilization, the Mureş County Museum, and the "Vasile Pârvan" Institute of Archaeology.
- Published in ARCHEOLOGY
COVASNA ARCHAEOLOGICAL CAMPAIGN – THE FAIRY CITIES
August-October 2024
Archaeological site Covasna – Citadel of the Fairies is located on the outskirts of Covasna, on the Citadel Hill. The most numerous discoveries at the site belong to the Dacian Kingdom era (a fortified fortress with stone, clay and wood walls, organized on at least four terraces), but materials dating back to the Bronze Age or the Middle Ages were also discovered. The 2024 campaign took place both inside the fortified area, on Terrace II, and outside it, on the saddle connecting the Citadel Hill with the neighboring peaks, where the ancient access road probably passed.
On Terrace II, near the wall and the bastion here, two Dacian edifices with a roof supported by wooden pillars arranged in three or four rows were identified in previous campaigns. Neither of these edifices has been fully outlined, as a result of which their functionality remains uncertain for the time being. The two edifices could be temples, of the type with alignments of columns, but another functionality, civil or military, cannot be ruled out. In 2024, the western area of Edifici II was investigated in particular in an attempt to establish its limit, which was successful. The edifice was delimited here by a vein of native rock, probably visible in antiquity as well, to the west of which no traces of pillars were identified. As a result, until now Edifici II has been delimited on three sides, to the south (the wall of Terrace II), east (rock) and west (rock). Research will continue in the next campaigns to the north, to establish the limit of the building here as well. Given that the excavation was mainly in the foundation of the building, few materials were found, especially ceramic fragments.
A new research sector was opened in 2023 along the route of the possible access road to the fortress, where excavations continued in 2024. So far, no ancient complex has been identified and no archaeological materials have been discovered, but the research is just beginning.
- Published in ARCHEOLOGY
DIFFERENT WEEK, OCTOBER 21 – 25, 2024
Thanks to everyone who participated in the educational workshops related to the exhibition "Gods and Mortals in Ancient Egypt"!
We are happy that 170 primary school students from Cluj discovered the secrets of Ancient Egypt with us. After an exciting visit through the world of gods and pharaohs, we created together 105 pyramids and 65 amulets.
We look forward to seeing you at our future events!
Guidance and workshops: Monica Bodea
- Published in MUSEUM EDUCATION
DECEMBER 1 FROM HOME
CLUJENI AND THE GREAT UNION OF 1918
The exhibition commemorates the completion of the Romanian state edifice through the Union of Transylvania with Romania proclaimed in Alba Iulia on December 1, 1918. At the same time, a series of personalities from Cluj, men and women, young and old, who contributed to the creation of the modern state of Romania, are evoked. a fact for which he fully deserves our knowledge, appreciation and gratitude.
The exhibition includes ten documentary panels with synthetic texts and images of pieces and documents from the museum's heritage. They illustrate a broad theme that includes the self-determination movement of the Romanians in Transylvania in the fall of 1918, the establishment in Cluj of the Romanian National Senate from Transylvania and the Romanian National Guard (November 2-3, 1918), the participation of Cluj delegates at the National Assembly in Alba Iulia from December 1, 1918, the entry of the Romanian army into Cluj (December 24, 1918) and the establishment the Romanian administration at the beginning of 1919.
The public who wants to know more about the events and happenings of those historic and dramatic days, more than a century ago, has the bilingual anniversary volume available at the museum stand Remembering the Great Union. Centenary 1918-2018. In addition to the exhibition catalog, here are also published notes written daily by Mrs. Sidonia Docan, secretary of the Romanian National Senate from Cluj, participant in the National Assembly in Alba Iulia, about which she notes:
"Alba Iulia, December 1 1918. In the morning, according to ancient tradition, religious service before the assembly. Huge world, picturesque groups of peasants from all lands. With great emotion and satisfaction I look at these proud and dignified figures, who endured so many trials and severe injustices, keeping their temperance and serenity."
Project coordinator: dr. Ovidiu Muntean
- Published in HOME MUSEUM
MONICA, RADIO AND SECURITY
November 15, 2024 – January 12, 2025, MNIT headquarters (str. C. Daicoviciu, floor 1, event hall)
Starting on November 15, MNIT is hosting the chronological exhibition "Monica, the Radio and Security". The exhibition, carried out by the Institute for the Investigation of the Crimes of Communism and the Memory of the Romanian Exile (IICCMER), brings to the public's attention the important moments in the life and work of Monica Lovinescu, relating her diary notes to the events that marked her professional path and private life . The focus falls on the years of exile, and the perspective of the Security, presented through the selection of documents developed by the institution starting from 1948 and ending with 1990, is balanced by public and personal photographs, accompanied by reproductions of some artifacts identified in the archives.
The narrative voice of Monica Lovinescu, extracted from the diaries published in Romania after 1990, is the red thread of the exhibition and guides the viewer through the following themes: a chronology, which highlights the main moments in the protagonist's life; her relationship with her family, especially her father and the Sburătorul cenacle; the deep connection with the mother, Ecaterina Bălăcioiu, who became an instrument of blackmail of the Security for both, the mother ending her life in prison; the pursuit of Virgil Ierunca after leaving the country in 1947, through the surveillance of relatives, and the relationship of the parents with the Securitate; the first years of exile and the beginning of her political activism, together with her friend, Adriana Georgescu; the exile activity of Virgil Ierunca; the activity of the Paris sub-editor of Radio Europa Liberă in connection with the group of relatives of Monica Lovinescu – Virgil Ierunca, with the broadcasts made, with the Security perspective on the radio station and their political activism, as well as with the fight for human rights and the people supported by them; editorial activity in exile; the attack on Monica Lovinescu; the compromising campaign in the Romanian press, supported by the Securitate; informants who wrote notes on Monica Lovinescu and Virgil Ierunca and officers who coordinated them; and finally, the moment of decoration in 1999.
- Published in PAST EXHIBITIONS, NEWS, NEWS
MUZA – COLLECTIVE EXHIBITION OF CONTEMPORARY JEWELRY
November 20 – December 20, 2024
On the occasion of the "Forgotten Warriors and Eternal Ornaments" exhibition, we are starting a temporal dialogue, inviting jewelers-artists to be inspired by the exceptional archaeological pieces on display, to create contemporary jewelry.
We therefore invite you to discover MUZA, a collective exhibition of contemporary jewelry, in dialogue with the exhibition "Forgotten warriors and eternal ornaments", hosted by the National History Museum of Transylvania. The exhibiting artists are: Alexandra Constantinescu, Alexandra Mureșan, Andra Lupu, András Egri, Dan Alban, MONOM Georgiana Ciceo, Horia Câlțea, Ioana Cloșca, Iulia Crișan, Ludwig Menzel, Raluca Buzura, Tatiana Alban, Teodora Dragoș, Vanessa Singezia, Vasile Cloșca.
Through the meeting between old and new, between historical objects and contemporary artists, we want to create a unique context that reveals the aesthetic evolution of this craft over time. Beyond their prominent aesthetics, jewels made of noble materials and adorned with precious stones have been, throughout all historical eras, emblems of social status and economic power. In this sense, they have proven to be revelatory in their ability to encapsulate the essence of societal dynamics over time.
The exhibition can be visited at the MNIT headquarters, Str. Constantin Daicoviciu no. 2, ground floor (the "Medieval and Premodern Lapidary" exhibition hall).
Tickets: MNIT.ro
- Published in ANNOUNCES, PAST EXHIBITIONS, NEWS, NEWS
"FORGOTTEN WARRIORS AND ETERNAL ORNAMENTS: MIGRATING BARBARIANS DURING THE CRISIS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE (V-VI CENTURY B. CHR.)"
The most valuable exhibition in the history of the National History Museum of Transylvania (MNIT), organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Culture, and with the support of the City Hall of Simleu Silvaniei, presents unique worldwide treasures that include jewelry, medallions, gold and silver vessels, on loan from the collections of more than ten museums at home and abroad.
The most important artefacts of the exhibition are part of the Simleu Silvaniei hoard, discovered in two stages (1797, 1889) and located in the collections of the Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum) in Vienna and the Hungarian National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum) in Budapest . The second hoard from Simleul Silvaniei will remain for a shorter period, until early March 2025. This hoard is considered one of the most important discoveries from the period of migrations, both regionally and Europeanly, and artifacts from the two hoards are exhibited for the first time in Transylvania
Among the exhibits is a spectacular fibula in solid gold, decorated with one of the largest faceted onyx stones, which impresses with its size and exceptional execution. The object is unique in the world and illustrates the remarkable wealth of the elites of the 5th century BC. These large gold fibulae formed part of the imperial insignia and were important accessories of the Roman emperor's parade dress. The fibula with onyx from the Simleu Silvaniei hoard is the most imposing piece in the category of imperial fibulae that has survived to this day.
The exhibition also houses pieces from the Pietroasele hoard, known to the general public as "Cloșca cu puii de aur", gold pieces from the princely tombs at Apahida and from the tomb at Florești-Polus Center (today Vivo). We aimed to present the world of these elites through the most significant archaeological discoveries, which highlight major historical and archaeological phenomena that influenced the evolution of Europe and constitute a common cultural heritage for the European community. The exhibition shows that the era of migrations should not be seen as a dark period, but rather a transition era from late antiquity to a new era, it being the catalyst on which the history of medieval European states was built. The event highlights the richness and cultural diversity of the Middle Danube region, an area of strategic importance from antiquity to today
Partner Institutions / Partner Institutions / Partner institutions: Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum / Hungarian National Museum, Budapest, Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien/ Museum of Art History, Vienna, National Museum of Romanian History, Bucharest, National Museum of the Alba Iulia Union, Buzău County Museum, Institute of Archeology and Art History of the Academy Române, Cluj-Napoca, Oradea Crișurilor Country Museum, Prahova County Museum of History and Archaeology, Ploiesti, Satu Mare County Museum, Brukenthal National Museum, Sibiu, "Curtea Domnească" National Museum Complex, Târgoviște, Mureș County Museum, Târgu Mureș, Museum National of Banat, Timisoara, Turda History Museum
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10:00 and 18:00 (last entry at 17:30), and tickets can be purchased online at: https://mnit.ro
___________________________________________________
Important information for your visit to the "Forgotten Warriors and Eternal Ornaments" exhibition
To make your visit a complete experience, we encourage you to go through the exhibition with our guide, Rosamunda (who communicates in Romanian, English and Hungarian). To listen to it you can use headphones and your own phone, or you can request a device provided by the museum, which please leave at the exit.
Rosamund: https://bit.ly/3YWbYj4
Also, please see the visiting rules images:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOUR VISIT
To ensure a pleasant experience, please keep the following in mind:
- Photosensitivity warning: The exhibit contains bright lights, which may cause discomfort to people with photosensitive epilepsy or other medical conditions. Please be cautious.
- Immersive space warning: There is an immersive space that could trigger claustrophobic reactions. If you are sensitive to enclosed spaces, you can quickly skip this area.
- Audio guide: We have created a friendly audio guide to enhance your experience. Follow the map and listen to the story Rosamund! She communicates in three languages: Romanian, English and Hungarian.
- Accessibility options: If you are hearing impaired, you can access a written version of Rosamunda's story using the QR code.
- Use of devices: You can use your own phone for the audio guide or request a device provided by the museum, which please leave at the exit.
- Limitation of access: For an experience pleasant given the size of the exhibition space and the wealth of information, please understand that the number of visitors to the exhibition space may be limited. In case groups please keep this situation in mind.
- For the children: Within the exhibition we also have sections dedicated to children, but we ask the attendants to stay nearby, because there are also areas with content that could be considered sensitive for children under 10 years old. Please keep these in mind when planning your visit.
- Noise warning: In the exhibition there are some areas that include loud or sudden sounds. People who are sensitive to noise or have hearing problems, as well as small children should be cautious.
- Photography Policy: Photography is allowed in certain sections of the exhibition, but please do not use flash to protect the exhibits and not disturb other visitors.
- Visiting Time Warning: Due to the wealth of information, we recommend that you plan your visit so that you have enough time to explore the exhibition in detail. The average visit time is at least 60 minutes.
Photo gallery:
- Published in EXHIBITIONS, EXHIBITIONS AT THE HEADQUARTERS, PRESENT EXHIBITIONS
