Academy of Sciences of Moldova

The Academy of Sciences of Moldova headquarters was completed in 1955 to a design by architects Valentin Mednec/Mednic and Aleksandr Vedenkin, originally conceived to house the Offices of the People's Commissars. Its architecture follows socialist realism in a form of Stalinist eclecticism particular to postwar Chișinău, combining French Empire references with classical orders. The building's П-shaped plan orients its longer face toward Ștefan cel Mare Boulevard. The facade is organised into three horizontal zones: a red granite ground floor, a white limestone middle section of three floors with rectangular windows, and a top floor with arched windows. Vertical articulation is provided by pilasters of varying weight. The central entrance is marked by three massive doors flanked by lean columns under an octagonal archway. The parapet originally carried the French coat of arms on its shield, later replaced by a bas-relief of the Academy of Sciences logo. The building occupies a prominent position at the head of Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt boulevard, the city's main artery. In March 2023, the General Assembly of the ASM unanimously supported its submission for inclusion in the Register of Monuments of the Republic of Moldova (Parliament Decision no. 1531 of 1993), with a study on its history and architectural value submitted to the Ministry of Culture. Its inclusion is also seen as a step toward nominating the entire boulevard, which contains several heritage buildings, for monument status.