Chisinau city has exceptional cultural heritage that deserves to be put to good use, while the artistic illumination of facades of buildings is a way by which this can be done, said French architect Alain Guilhot, who headed the jury of the contest “Evening Chisinau – city of lights” that was staged by the Agency for Monument Inspection and Restoration.

Three of the 11 competing project proposals were chosen as winners. Thus, the facades of the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, the National Palace “Nicolae Sulac” and the National Opera House “Maria Biesu” will be rehabilitated and lit artistically by this autumn.  In a news conference at IPN on February 19, Alain Guilhot said these initiatives help start to write the history of an international festival of lights in Chisinau.

“By the magic of artistic lighting, we will develop tourism and will do so that Chisinau city, the capital of Moldova, is attractive to visitors. Investing in lights means investing in attraction. It is not wasting of money. It is a long-term investment. I’m ready to contribute to the maximum to the implementation of the project “Evening Chisinau – city of lights”,” stated Alain Guilhot.

According to Ion Stefanita, director general of the Agency for Monument Inspection and Restoration, Chisinau city has many valuable buildings. The bases for developing a real brand are laid by the artistic illumination of the first three facades. This is “Evening Chisinau – city of lights”. “We are eager to start to implement these projects. We will not stop at three for which we have funds. We will look for solutions to extend the list,” stated Ion Stefanita.

Romanian architect Dorin Stefan, jury member, said that by implementing artistic lighting projects, Moldova keeps pace with what is going on in the world. “These are new things and we hope that this good start will have continuation,” noted the architect.

French architect Frederic Pervostat, jury member, said Chisinau city distinguishes itself by the beautiful architecture of churches and he wanted at least one of the projects to feature a church, but there was no such a project. The City’s Gates, which are of special value to Chisinau, are also neglected, but the tourists can be impressed from the moment they enter the city.

The ceremony to award the winners of the contest will take place on March 3.