In Barlad there is museum that bears the name of one of the most important historians and researchers of Romania : Vasile Parvan. This museum is also the best in the region, having a large and varied collection, nowadays divided into four distinct sections : history, art, natural science, famous people from Barlad.
The Vasile Parvan Museum was founded at the beginning of the last century, being officially opened on April 10th 1914, by a comitee of intelectuals from the town, who wanted to offer locals a chance of discovering first hand some interesting works of art and objects. But the main initiative was due to Stroe Belloescu, a well-known and respected professor, who used his own money to build an impressive villa, in 1909, as the future public library and first museum in Barlad. It is in this very house, now in very good state, after careful restorations, that the museum was opened.
At first, the idea was supported by enthusiatic intelectuals, who wanted to have in Barlad a museum that was just as good as the others, so many donated large parts of their collections, mainly books, historical collections and art. Over the years, these collections further enriched, and today we can admire the permanent and temporary exhibitions divided into four departments : History-Archaeology, Art, Natural Science, Famous People of Barlad. Each of these sections has some interesting objects on display, the best being without a doubt the Art section, hosting several temporary exhibitions, of great interess. At first, almost all of these were donations, but over time a policiy of transfers and careful acquisitions further enriched the Vasile Parvan Museum. Some of the most important donations were the Ion Chiricuta Collection and the Dr Marcel Vainfeld Collection, both well-known art lovers from Barlad, who decided to give to the city most of their treasured collection.
If you visit the Vasile Parvan Museum today, you will have the chance of discovering several permanent exhibitions : Romanian folk art, European and Far Eastern fine arts, decorative arts, coins, medals, weapons and armours, a small sellection of icons and rare books. In another part of the museum you will find a large collection of Romanian contemporary art, some of the works being simply astounding. In yet another building of the museum there are several successful exhibitions, such as "Cuza and his Age" "Barlad in the 19th - 20th Century" or the section presenting the best coins from the museum's deposits.
Definetelly, the Vasile Parvan Museum in Barlad is one of the best local cultural institutions, interesting especially for it's presentation of contemporary Romanian art, which focuses on the works of artists born in Barlad. Or at least of those who have worked here for a while. The richness and variety of the collections, the care and passion with which the curators are taking care of the museum, all of these make the museum a special place to be and enjoy.
www.artline.ro
2008-02-13
