Its history began in 1889 when the Zemstva of Bessarabia organized the first Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition, laying the foundation for the establishment of the museum institution. As the oldest museum in the Republic of Moldova, its name underwent several changes over the years. Today, it houses an extensive heritage of about 135 thousand exhibits.

The permanent exhibition, titled “Nature. Human. Culture,” occupies an area of over 2000 m2.

The museum also features a Temporary Exhibition Hall, hosting numerous seminars, master classes, and exhibitions, showcasing both its own heritage and that of other local museums and international collections. Handicraft exhibitions have become traditional and are organized annually.

Folklore events, national and international competitions, and festivals regularly take place in the museum, highlighting folk creations from across the country.

Within the museum’s premises, there is a Botanical Garden with a Vivarium, gathering the most prevalent species of plants, trees, and shrubs from the Republic of Moldova, along with exotic birds, reptiles, and fish.

The Museum building, designed by architect V.N. Țiganco, was completed in 1905, and the inauguration took place in June 1906.