We are pleased to present a new temporary exhibition at the National Museum of Art of Romania (MNAR), entitled "The Stories  of the Cross: Miniature Sculpture in Byzantine Tradition," organized within the Gallery of Romanian Ancient Art. This exhibition, curated by Lucreția Pătrășcanu from the Department of Romanian Ancient  Art at MNAR, offers an exhibition experience imbued with spirituality and devotion.

"The Stories of the Cross: Miniature Sculpture in Byzantine Tradition" showcases approximately 60 artworks from the collection of Romanian Ancient Art, most of which have never been displayed before. The exhibition features predominantly gilded silver sculpted crosses, which were used in religious rituals such as processions, handheld crosses, and altar crosses. Alongside these, private devotional objects are also on display, including carved icons and variously shaped pendants (circular and rectangular, small diptychs and tryptichs).

Created between the early 16th century and the mid-19th century, these pieces trace the evolution of this artistic genre in the Romanian Lands. Similar works can be found across the entire Byzantine-influenced region, from the southern Danube to Russia. Among the exhibited pieces, several notable large-scale gilded crosses stand out for their exceptional artistic quality and their special significance as gifts from voivodes such as Alexandru Lăpușneanu, Șerban Cantacuzino, and Constantin Brâncoveanu to their most important foundations: the Slatina, Cotroceni, and Hurezi Monasteries, respectively.

The exhibition is open for visitation until June 2021, following the museum's schedule, while adhering to the preventive measures implemented by MNAR against the spread of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

Access to the exhibition is free, based on the general admission ticket for the National Gallery at the main building.

Curator: Lucreția Pătrășcanu

Duration: December 5, 2020 - December 31, 2022 Gallery of Romanian Ancient Art, Calea Victoriei 49-53.

Opening Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 10:00 - 18:00.