Museum of National History and Archaeology Constanta

THE NATIONAL HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM OF CONSTANȚA
The National History and Archaeology Museum of Constanța has a history of over one hundred years, a period that can be divided into three major stages: the period 1878–1957 – the most turbulent; then 1957–1977; and finally, from 1977 to the present.

• 1878 – 1957
After 1877, the expansion works in the city of Constanța led to the discovery of significant ceramic, sculptural, epigraphic, numismatic relics, etc., all confirming the place of ancient Tomis in the early history of the country.
The fact that many ancient artifacts were entering private collections and becoming items of speculation raised concern among the city officials. This led to the idea of establishing an archaeology museum.
In 1878, Remus Opreanu – the first prefect of the Romanian administration in Dobrogea – proposed to the Romanian Academy that the archaeological materials gathered at the Prefecture, under his care and through the efforts of school inspector Ion Bănescu, form a museum. The proposal came to fruition.
A telegram sent to Mihail Kogălniceanu on August 30, 1879, mentions a visit by students from the Bârlad Normal School to the Constanța museum. Newspapers of the time, both local and national, competed in reporting on the event of organizing the Constanța museum and its inventory.
Initially, the museum was set up in the Prefecture building at the intersection of Traian, Sulmona streets, and Tomis Boulevard. Small artifacts and 15 sculptures were arranged in the Prefect’s Office, while 27 large pieces were displayed along the alley.
Authorities publicly praised the residents who donated discovered artifacts during construction works. The first known donor was Chevara Casabian.
The fire of 1882 destroyed the Prefecture Palace and disrupted the museum established by Remus Opreanu. The surviving monuments were sheltered in a “pavilion” in the public garden.
Over the years, the saved artifacts were kept in various locations.
In 1906, G. Gr. Cantacuzino authorized the formation of a committee in Constanța for the museum’s reorganization. Despite multiple efforts, real progress only occurred after 1911, when Vasile Pârvan pushed again for a museum in Constanța, and official approval was finally granted.
Throughout the early 20th century, the museum changed locations several times, gradually improving thanks to the work of dedicated educators and archaeologists.
During World War II, the museum’s activity halted but resumed after 1945 with renewed efforts to protect and highlight Constanța’s archaeological treasures.
From 1951, under new leadership, the museum began more rigorous organization, cataloging, and restoration work, paving the way for its formal institutional development.