The Brukenthal Museum in Sibiu is certainly one of the most important cultural and historical landmarks of Romania, a place rich in tradition, collections and legends, where one could discover, step by step, various exhibits of tremendous value and often impressive beauty. One of the oldest museums of Romania, in a city that has always been at the crossroad of various cultures and influences, the Brukenthal Museum is bound to become a mandatory visit for anyone who comes to Romania, not to mention the locals. History, fine art, natural science, books and manuscripts, all of these come together in forming what we now know as the Brukenthal Museum.
It's actual history begins in the 18th century, although details about how the collections came to be are few and rather hazy. How the idea appeared, what were the first exhibits put together, what were the sources ? We know for sure that the first documents recording fine paintings acquisitions date from 1770, at a time when surely the bulk of the art collection already existed. Also, based on a few documents, it is clear that the paintings were bought by Sophia von Brukenthal, the wife of the Baron von Brukenthal. Maybe for her personal pleasure, maybe thinking about someday presenting them in a larger space. In 1777 the Baron returned to Sibiu, this time a Governor of the Principate of Transilvania, and brought with him the already large collection of art and books. In 1790 a recording in the Hochmeister's Calendar informs us that one of the new attractions in Sibiu was the fine art gallery, which comprised of 800 paintings, exhibited in 13 halls in the Brukenthal Palace. It was a nice beginning of a long-lasting tradition. Yet, little is known about the titles and value of these first works of art.
Over the years, the collections of art further grew through acquisitions and donations. The collections were tended for, organised and exhibited, among others, by the painters Johann Martin Stock and Franz Neuhauser jr., who were also friends of the Baron. They also helped identify some obscure, unknown works, presented in the first printed catalogue of the gallery, published in 1844. The very first catalogue of the art collection was only a manuscript, made by the painter Franz Neuhauser jr. Then, the collection had 1070 paintings, presented in no less than 15 rooms, on the second floor of the Palace.
Nowadays, the first and second floor of the Brukenthal Palace host the Art Museum. Also, in the Palace we find the Brukenthal Library, with over 300.000 books and manuscripts, ranging from rare, foreign titles to old Romanian books, as well as a small collection of magazines. The other section of the museum, the History Museum, hosted in the Old City Hall, is presenting in detail life and traditions in the area of Sibiu, completing the image with various objects from the neighbouring provinces. Thus the museum presents the history of Southern Transilvania much better than other institutions, with great care towards detail and historical accuracy.
2008-01-22
