Museum of „Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Iasi

The museum introduces the history of Romania’s oldest modern university through documents, photographs, scientific instruments, and personal objects linked to academic life. It also includes collections dedicated to the Cucuteni-Trypillia culture, one of Europe’s oldest prehistoric civilizations, whose artifacts date back more than 6,000 years. Pottery on display demonstrates advanced ceramic techniques, with some objects fired at temperatures approaching 1,000°C.

The museum’s collections highlight the university’s foundation in 1860 during the reign of Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza, whose educational reforms helped modernize Romanian society. Exhibits show the growth of the university’s faculties, research, and traditions. Diplomas, manuscripts, instruments, and the Rector’s office reconstruction show academic life across different periods, including artifacts preserved by Octav Davideanu.

A visit to the museum complements a tour of the main university building, which served as Romania’s Senate in 1917–1918. Nearby, the Hall of the Lost Steps displays Sabin Bălașa’s murals and is known for its unusual acoustics.