National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, Chisinau

Gorgeous building. Inside it covers both natural history as well as ethnography. This means there are lots of displays of types of soil, stuffed animals and birds and fossils and so on. There is also an enormous mammoth skeleton that is quite impressive. If, like me you main interest is in local vernacular crafts you won't be disappointed, though it is not the main focus. There is a large display of local costume featuring beautiful embroidery, wood carving, basket weaving etc, which is lovely but it is distinctive versus the surrounding countries? That's beyond my level of appreciation.

From outside, it seems almost like abandoned building. But as you enter, it is packed with various very interesting exhibits of Moldovan culture and wildlife. Also it's great place for kids. Very great visual experience.