On National Culture Day, January 15, 2025, the National Library of the Republic of Moldova inaugurated the exhibition "Mihai Eminescu - The Poet and the Voice of Romanian Identity." The event celebrates 175 years since the birth of the most important poet in Romanian literature, in the context of 2025 being declared the Year of Eminescu in both Moldova and Romania, IPN reports.



At the opening of the event, Elena Pintilei, General Director of the National Library of the Republic of Moldova, emphasized the significance and contribution of Mihai Eminescu's works showcased at the exhibition: "Poet, prose writer, and journalist Mihai Eminescu, considered the foremost poetic voice in Romanian literature, was defined by his love for his country and nation, embodying a fortress of the human spirit that we can confidently call Mihai Eminescu. The importance of studying Eminescu's creations is fully justified through his poetry, which represents a reclaiming of our national identity. His works carry the noble mission of awakening national consciousness, sowing courage, humanity, dignity, kindness, faith, and integrity," highlighted Elena Pintilei.



Librarian Eminescu: a life dedicated to books and culture

Ioan Milica, director of the "Mihai Eminescu" Central University Library in Iași, paid tribute to the poet by highlighting his role as a librarian and a refiner of the Romanian language.

"Eminescu was a great librarian at three distinct moments in his life: first, in the home of Professor Aron Pumnul in Cernauti; then, at the Romanian Association Junimea in Vienna; and finally, as the director of the Central Library in Iasi. He not only lent books but also wrote administrative reports, proposed acquisitions, and built modern bibliographic indexes, making him a pioneer of Romanian librarianship," Milica emphasized.

Eminescu was not just a poet but also a learned librarian who considered books to be his greatest treasure. "Even in moments of suffering, he would ask, 'Where is my chest of books?' That was his wealth. Through culture and a passion for words, he elevated the Romanian language from its rural roots to universal dimensions," added the library director.



A priceless gift: the Romanian language

Eminescu shaped the Romanian language into a refined cultural instrument of unparalleled elegance: "Language generally governs the individual, but Eminescu managed to master and refine it, transforming it into a vehicle for the most complex and nuanced thoughts. It is the language we speak today and a legacy we must pass on to our children," highlighted Ioan Milica.



The exhibition at the National Library of Moldova invites reflection on Mihai Eminescu's legacy. Through his poetry, articles, and cultural activities, Eminescu remains a symbol of patriotism, dignity, and courage. The library director encouraged everyone to discover the heritage left by Eminescu.

A bridge between past and present

The exhibition brings together works published over time about Eminescu’s life and creations, covering fields such as science, politics, social issues, and philosophy. One of the highlights is a rare bibliophile edition of "Poezii" by Mihai Eminescu, one of 500 numbered copies printed on special watermark paper and artisan-bound in leather. The National Library’s copy is numbered 211.

The collection also includes: A 1932 poetry volume with an introduction, biography, notes, and glossary by Gh. Adamescu, "Poezii" (1933), curated by Constantin Botez, "Imparat si proletar" (1932), a Polish translation by Emil Zegadlowicz, "Poezii tiparite in timpul vietii" (1943), a critical edition edited by Perpessicius, featuring 54 manuscript reproductions, The dramatic work "Mira," an Eminescu facsimile manuscript, "Eminescu altfel," a bibliophile album marking the "Eminescu Centennial," by Ion Iliescu, A coin panel designed by Natalia Serebrian, "Toward a New Eminescu. Dialogues with Eminescu Scholars from Around the World," authored by academician Mihai Cimpoi. Notably, the exhibition includes one of Eminescu’s notebooks published by Titu Maiorescu in Vienna and a small facsimile poetry volume also edited by Maiorescu.



The materials are organized into 10 thematic sections, offering a comprehensive perspective on the poet’s unparalleled contribution to culture and literature.