PHOTO First stage of works of conservation, restoration of Chisinau Circus finished

Chisinau, 23 May /MOLDPRES/ - The first stage of the works of conservation and restoration of the Chisinau State Circus has been finished. It was carried out due to an investment worth 2.2 million euros on behalf of the European Union within the Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).   

Thus, after more than one year, the roof of the circus was repaired. The dome was replaced by a cover of galvanized steel of European production, with a guarantee of 50 years. Also, the flat surface of the roof is fully reconstructed and a new system of rain waters’ draining was set. The old insulation material under the roof was replaced by new mineral plaques resistant to water and heat.   

„I was pleased to return to the Chisinau Circus today, where the first stage of restoration was finished. For many of us, the circus means magic and the happiness of the childhood and we would like very much for the present children to be able to enjoy shows. Since 1982, when it was constructed, this building has been also a reason for pride for the Chisinau residents, as it was a real architectural masterpiece. Unfortunately, for more time, the doors of the Circus had been closed; yet, with the support of development partners, the authorities managed to make the first step to reopen them,’’ President Maia Sandu said at the event dedicated to the finishing of the first phase of the works.  

Ambassador of the European Union to Moldova Jānis Mažeiks voiced hope that the finishing of the first stage of the works would catalyze resources on behalf of  national and international partners, in order to continue the reconstruction works and would give a new life to this emblematic monument, which is not only a ‘’visiting card’’ of Chisinau, but also a living memory from the childhood of more Moldovan citizens.    

„We can proudly say now that the building of the Chisinau Circus is fully conserved and protected from the unfriendly weather conditions, preserving, at the same time, its historical character,’’ UNDP Resident Representative in Moldova Daniela Gasparikova said.  

The funds provided by the European Union, through the Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP, covered the costs for the detailed technical expertise, for designing and for works of conservation and restoration of the roof and windows. For the next phases, Moldova’s authorities are to attract financing from public funds, as well as on behalf of development partners.   

The Chisinau Circus is a building with a special architectural value, one of the tallest buildings in the brutalist style in the world. Starting from May 2022, the building was included in the Register of Monuments Protected by State. The restoration and conservation of the Circus are carried out by observing the national and international standards.   

Works of restoration and conservation of 12 cultural and historical objects on both banks of Dniester, including of two emblematic buildings: Chisinau Circus and Tighina (Bender Fortress), are carried out within the European Union’s Confidence Building Measures Programme.