PALATUL REDUTA, Memorandumului 21 cluj-napocaDESCHIS MIERCURI - DUMINICĂ 10 - 18
PARCUL ETNOGRAFIC, TĂIETURA TURCULUI F.N. |DESCHIS MIERCURI - DUMINICĂ 09 - 16
Contemporary understanding of Transylvania encompasses the medieval intra-Carpathian region, as well as the regions of Maramureș, Crișana and Banat. These regions have formed, and continue to form, a relatively unified area in terms of rural culture. The area is fundamentally defined by its intercultural dimension, where Mediterranean, Eastern European and Western European cultural elements have coexisted and partly amalgamated through shared daily life, while also being consciously delineated through a targeted identity approach. The rigid socio-economic system that maintained feudal structures in rural areas until the mid-19th century created a significant contrast between the urban and rural environments. The urban environment was largely connected to the values of Central and Western European cities, while the rural environment remained relatively self-sufficient, favouring the late preservation of archaic techniques and mentalities.
The current permanent exhibition, entitled ‘Folk Culture in Transylvania – 18th–20th centuries’, opened in 2006. It attempts to reconstruct the organic nature of this rural universe through exhibits that highlight its unexpected complexity and functional coherence.
In the classic manner of ethnographic museography, the exhibition explores the key aspects of material and spiritual culture in rural Transylvania. This is illustrated by a selection of exhibits chosen from our institution’s collection of over 40,000 artefacts.
The exhibition begins with a display of traditional occupations, starting with the most archaic (such as gathering from nature, hunting, fishing and beekeeping) and continuing with the most common (such as cultivating the land and raising animals).
Simple yet ingenious items, characteristic of the first category of occupations (such as improvisations made from tree bark, hollow trunks, animal horns and woven twigs), are followed by more diverse and complex tools used in agricultural and pastoral activities. These tools are displayed in the order required by the specific technological processes. Archive photographs illustrate these processes and contribute to recreating the atmosphere of the traditional village. The entire collection of objects and images illustrates the varied occupations of the Transylvanian peasantry, which were essential in a subsistence economy.
The traditional crafts sector is organised by the type of raw material processed, such as wood, clay, metals, fur, leather, wool, and textile plants. The sector includes pieces made by peasant craftsmen, as well as those made within guilds. This demonstrates that peasant craftsmen use simple, natural tools and techniques, whereas guild members build on these techniques to develop their own advanced, efficient tradition.
In this sector, particular attention has been given to the traditional craft of processing textiles and wool at home. This craft has developed so much in Transylvanian villages that it has reached the level of a domestic textile industry. This section displays the tools needed for processing fibres, including those used for preparing raw materials and thread for weaving. It also showcases tools that demonstrate archaic fibre-processing techniques, as well as various types of fork.
The section on traditional food shows the household inventory used for cooking – on an open hearth – in Transylvanian peasant homes at the end of the 19th century. It also displays moulds for making gingerbread and several examples of gingerbread. As well as the agricultural and craft products necessary for everyday life, fairs also offered food products made by specialist craftsmen. Gingerbread was an essential product at fairs. The moulds on display date from the 19th century and some bear the initials (F.F.) or their creator’s name (LUKAS SCHUCH). The exhibition is complemented by contemporary works by gingerbread maker Dénesi Ildikó.
The gradual emergence of certain socio-economic and cultural conditions in Transylvania over time created distinct ethnographic areas, each with their own unique identity, as highlighted by the appearance of their local folk costumes. Although they had a basic uniform structure, the regional costumes belonging to the same ethnic group contained particular features that differentiated them precisely to the extent that they could become a source of identity for communities that cultivated their distinct personality.
The gradual emergence of certain socio-economic and cultural conditions in Transylvania over time created distinct ethnographic areas, each with their own unique identity, as highlighted by the appearance of their local folk costumes. Although they had a basic uniform structure, the regional costumes belonging to the same ethnic group contained particular features that differentiated them precisely to the extent that they could become a source of identity for communities that cultivated their distinct personality.
In the case of different ethnic groups that coexisted for centuries in a given territory, the tendency to define themselves through differentiation was stronger and manifested itself by emphasizing specific elements in the structure of the costume, which were attributed a special identity significance. The peasant costumes on display date from the late 19th century and are representative of the Făgăraş Country, Mărginimea Sibiului, the Székely Land, Oaş, Maramureş, Năsăud, the Saxon area of Bistriţa, Mocănimea Arieşului, Călata, for the areas of Beiuş and Ineu, Cărbunari and Pădureni. The jewelry displayed in the showcases comes from Bihor, Oaş, the Meseş and Târnave areas, the Saxon areas of Bistriţa and Sibiu, Pădureni, the Haţeg Country and Banat, the areas of Călata, Odorhei and Trascău, and also the Bran area.
Visiting hours
Wednesday - Sunday
10:00 - 18:00 (Last entry at 17:00)
IMPORTANT!
In the case of temporary exhibitions or events, the museum's schedule may change.
Visiting rules
Access
Access to the museum is based on a ticket (according to the displayed prices), but it is possible that some temporary exhibitions or events may have different ticket prices.
There are situations where we are obliged to modify the museum’s visiting schedule or close certain sectors; these changes will be communicated to you by the museum staff before purchasing the entrance ticket.
Access to the museum is not permitted with any type of luggage (other than a foldable stroller or mobility aids, in the case of persons with disabilities) that has a dimension greater than cm.
You must leave your umbrellas in the designated area at the entrance to the exhibition.
We do not assume responsibility for personal belongings left unattended.
The consumption of food or drinks is not permitted in the exhibition spaces.
Access with animals is not permitted in the Museum, with the exception of guide dogs, specially trained to assist persons with disabilities.
If you are found by our staff in one of the non-public or closed areas without having authorization for it, you will be asked to explain your presence there and prove your identity. You will also be escorted outside the Museum premises.
Guided tours
Guided tours are subject to a fee, according to the displayed tariffs. Guiding is provided by specialized staff; the supervisors do not have attributions in this direction.
Foto, video, audio
Flash photography or the use of a video camera with a lamp (including on mobile phones) is not permitted. You may use the photos, video, and audio recordings, made for the displayed fee, only for personal and non-commercial purposes.
If you require special lighting or other equipment for filming, photography, or audio recording in the Museum, you must request written consent from the institution’s management.
The use of films and photographs for professional or commercial purposes is possible only based on a contract.
Amenities
Bike Rack
