The Natural Sciences Museum of Focșani (Casa Tatovici)

The Natural Sciences Museum of Focșani is a branch of the Muzeul Vrancei, housed in Casa Tatovici — a historic monument building constructed in the late 19th century by Focșani magistrate Constantin Tatovici, a doctor of law who published works in French, a major landowner and the founder of the largest mill in Moldova — Moara C.T. Tatovici, destroyed by a fire in 1929 that led to his bankruptcy. The building is representative of the eclectic architectural style of 19th-century Focșani, with facades and interior decoration in the Hellenistic style. Reopened to the public on 21 December 2024 following an extensive restoration financed by the Vrancea County Council with European funds, the building has regained and considerably expanded its exhibition space. The museum was founded by teacher Anghel Bardan, who assembled the core collection from his own personal collection, into which he invested his passion throughout his entire life. From 1961, the museum was led by teacher Carol Nagler. The current heritage exceeds 53,000 biological items, organised into zoology, botany, geology and palaeontology collections, researched primarily in the nature reserves and protected areas of Vrancea County. The centrepiece most beloved by visitors — especially children — is the live animal exhibition: specimens from 34 species of fish, reptiles (snakes, iguanas), birds and mammals, housed in aquariums and terrariums. The ornithology collection comprises 1,190 taxidermied birds, 532 study skins, 64 nests and 417 eggs. Two large dioramas representing the fauna and flora of Vrancea County are currently being set up. At the entrance stands a memorial dedicated to the museum's founders, inaugurated on the occasion of the reopening.