Nicolae Minovici, one of the famous brothers who left their mark on Romanian science and arts, was not only passionate about his research, but also a passionate collector of art, focusing on Romanian folk art. During all of his life, Nicolae Minovici managed to acquire some unique works of art, of tremendous cultural value, many of these still being housed at the Folk Art Museum on Nicolae Minovici Street, No 3, Bucharest.
This impressive building, an elegant villa which bears the name of it's owner, was designed by Cristofi Cerchez, a rather well-known architect at the end of the 19th entury, and everything was completed in 1905. The impressive stone decorations, which can still be admired today, are the work of the German sculptor Wilhelm August von Beckev. The building, also known as the "Bells Villa", was the pride and joy of Nicolae Minovici, who considered it suitable for housing most of his folk art collection. So, in 1916, the Romanian capital witnessed the official opening of the first National Art Museum in Bucharest. It was an important cultural event and a true mark in the history of the city, yet it's importance faded because of the war.
Nicolae Minovici fled Bucharest in 1917 - 1918 and returned in December, only to find out that his worst fears came through : his impressive and beautiful villa had been pillaged by German troops. Some of his best pieces were missing, some were damaged. According to other sources, the damage and pillage were actually commited by Romanian troops, but it still remains opened to discussion. Despite this event, Minovici continued to expand his collection and reopened his museum. In 1937 he made another surprising gesture, donating his collection and the entire villa to the City of Bucharest. It was to be one of the most valuable cultural donations ever made to Bucharest, yet it was difficult for Nicolae Minovici, a passionate collector, to make this sacrifice.
The collections of the Nicolae Minovici Folk Art Museum are simply impressive, rich and varied, ranging from folk art artifacts from all of Romania, textiles, wooden objects, folk furniture, icons, painted eggs to pottery and some traditional musical instruments. Among the most impressive collections are those of ceramics from Horezu, a small collection of Transylvanian icons on wood and glass, from the 17th - 18th century and a few carpets, with beautiful decorations.
Unfortunatelly for art lovers, both Romanian and foreign, this museum is now practically abandoned, as the villa is badly damaged and in great need of a thorough restauration. When will that happen, it's anyone's guess. Not too soon, sceptics reckon.
Photo : museum.ici.ro
2007-11-14
