Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania

Founded in 1922 by Professor Romulus Voia, the Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania has earned its place among the elite of Romanian ethnographic museums, thanks to the exceptional quality of its collection. With over 41,000 traditional peasant artifacts dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries and a documentary archive containing more than 80,000 items, this museum is a treasure trove of cultural history. It features two main sections: the Pavilion Section and the "Romulus Vuia" Ethnographic Park, which is an open-air exhibition.

The Pavilion Section is housed in the "Reduta" Palace, a historical monument dating back to the 16th century. The current exhibition, unveiled on December 16th, is titled "Traditional Folk Culture from Transylvania in the 18th-20th Centuries." It skillfully recreates the lifestyle of Transylvanian peasants from two centuries ago. Visitors can admire simple tools and ingenious equipment used in domestic life, culminating in the display of rich folk costumes that reflect not only the wearer's life stage but also their social status. The exhibition also features traditional costumes for various life events, seasonal celebrations, and regional and ethnic identities.

Here's a little-known fact: with a history spanning over 80 years, the museum is the largest of its kind in Romania and ranks among the top in Europe. It is housed in the "Reduta" building, which served as the venue for the Transylvanian Diet from 1848 to 1865. This building was also the site of the famous trial of the authors of the Transylvanian Memorandum in 1894-1895. The museum's collection includes 50,000 photographs, 5,000 slides, and 12,000 specialized magazines. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about cultural heritage, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Transylvania's past.