The Astra Museum in Sibiu is a remarkable open-air museum and a cultural jewel of Romania. It is located in the picturesque Dumbrava Forest, about four kilometers southwest of the old town. With its impressive collection of traditional buildings and artifacts, the museum offers a fascinating insight into rural life and culture in Romania.
The Astra Museum covers an area of around 96 hectares, making it one of the largest open-air museums in Europe. It includes over 300 historic buildings, including traditional farmhouses, churches, mills and workshops. These buildings come from different regions of Romania and represent a variety of architectural styles and traditional techniques. Each building has been carefully dismantled and faithfully rebuilt in the museum to provide visitors with an authentic experience.
A walk through the Astra Museum feels like a journey back in time. Visitors can enter the rustic farmhouses and admire the faithfully furnished rooms. You can see how people used to live, work and maintain their traditions. Particularly impressive are the various mills, including windmills, water mills and even a horse mill. These technical masterpieces bear witness to the engineering skills and creativity of previous generations.
Interesting facts about the museum:
In addition to the buildings, the Astra Museum also houses an extensive collection of traditional tools, furniture, clothing and other everyday objects. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the life and work of people in Romania's rural communities. The exhibitions are designed to be not only informative but also interactive, making them particularly attractive for families and children.
The museum is open all year round and offers a variety of events and workshops. Visitors can take part in traditional handicraft courses, such as pottery, weaving and blacksmithing. There are also regular folkloric performances where traditional dances and music are performed. These events bring the rich culture and living traditions of Romania to life and offer visitors an unforgettable experience.
A special highlight of the Astra Museum is the annual Astra Film Festival, which shows documentary films from all over the world. This festival attracts filmmakers, artists and visitors from different countries and enriches the museum's cultural offering.
Overall, the Astra Museum in Sibiu is a must for anyone who wants to experience the traditional culture and history of Romania. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the past and discover rural life in all its diversity and beauty. With its idyllic location and rich cultural heritage, the Astra Museum is a place that offers both education and pleasure.