Museums play a vital role in enriching society by conserving, researching, and presenting tangible aspects of culture. The Museum Law of the Republic of Moldova outlines the legal framework for the organisation and operation of museums in Moldova. The legislation was enacted to create a legal framework and promote the preservation, study, and presentation of museum collections, the safeguarding of cultural heritage, and public education through museum exhibits and programs.
The law defines a museum as a cultural institution that acquires, conserves, researches, and exhibits material and immaterial cultural heritage for the purpose of educating and entertaining the general public. The Museum Law clarifies the museum’s concepts, including a museum collection, museum object, and museum heritage, facilitating clear and unambiguous interpretation.
The legislation also establishes the procedures for accrediting museums and governing their operations. It provides for the formation of museum collections, the legal procedures for acquiring and disposing of museum objects, and the tax regulations related to such transactions.
The law also addresses the protection of museum collections and regulates their incorporation into protected cultural heritage. The Museum Law empowers the Government to monitor the protection of the country’s cultural heritage assets by establishing procedures for conserving and restoring significant cultural heritage sites.
The Museum Law also addresses the responsibilities of stakeholders such as museum operators and staff, funding authorities, and other related officials. Persons or entities found to violate the Museum Law are subject to punishment by disciplinary, civil, administrative, or criminal proceedings.
