National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, Chisinau (must see)

Founded in October 1889, the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History is the oldest museum in the country. It was originally established as a museum of agriculture but then expanded to embrace the study of Bessarabian culture. Today, the museum represents an important scientific and cultural institution with much international acclaim.

The museum moved to its current location after its completion in 1905. Architect Vladimir Tsyganko adorned the building with a signature frontal façade consisting of a triangular pediment supported by two Doric columns. The rest of the building, with its partially-stone partially-plastered walls, has a semi-basement appearance.

The interior is split into two main sections — one, exhibiting Moldova's flora and fauna and its transformation over the years, and the other, featuring Moldovan people and their traditions, allowing visitors to trace the evolution of Moldovan ethnicity. The collection includes paleontological, ethnographic and archaeological finds. There is a small fee charged at the entrance. After visiting the museum, one may also want to take a quick stroll in the oldest in Moldova botanical garden nearby.

Why You Should Visit:
The first museum to be entered by first-timers in Moldova, housed in a beautiful building that looks like a Mauritanian castle.
There are several temporary and permanent exhibitions, which show both art and popular traditions, to keep you occupied for the whole day.
You'll also find some strange specimens, taxidermied or jarred in Soviet-style, as well as excellent dioramas/recreations of dinosaurs and other animals.

Tip:
Don't miss the small botanical garden-slash-zoo with various reptiles and birds from all over the world (e.g., peacocks, emus).
If lucky, you can get someone to give you an English tour (not always available, though).