After more than a year of work, the dome of the Chisinau State Circus was fully restored and is now artistically illuminated at night. The vitrified façade of the main building was replaced. The works were part of the first phase of restoration and conservation of the building, the results of which were announced at a press conference, IPN reports.
The European Union, through the Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP, allocated over €2.2 million to cover the costs for a detailed technical examination, design and repair and conservation works on the Circus Building at the first stage.
Andrei Vasilachi, project manager within the Confidence Building Measures Program and chief engineer of the first stage of the conservation works, said that in 2019-2020 the technical examination was carried out and this focused on all the elements of the resistance structure and on the technical-engineering networks that exist in the building and the architectural elements. Following the examination, it was concluded that the building can be brought back into the public circuit with a series of not very significant interventions. After that, the project for the execution of works was worked out.
At the first phase, called conservation, activities were distributed to restore the roof covering and its layer. The works were carried out by a construction company. Works were also performed to change the vitrified facades. The dome was restored and is now artistically illuminated at night, thus highlighting the architectural value of the building, said the chief engineer.
UNDP Resident Representative in the Republic of Moldova Daniela Gasparikova stressed that the progress made so far has been possible thanks to the generous support provided by the European Union, which facilitated the implementation of works. Daniela Gasparikova highlighted the sustained efforts of the design team and UNDP team, expressing hope that this partnership will continue and the inhabitants of the Republic of Moldova will have the opportunity to enjoy the activity of the Circus.
EU Ambassador to Moldova Jānis Mažeiks said that it was an exceptional achievement that combines culture with historical heritage and community strengthening, the Circus Building being not only a business card, but also a vivid childhood memory for many Moldovan citizens. The diplomat noted that these works are meant to protect the edifice from adverse weather conditions and subsequent degradation, specifying that it is only a first stage of restoration out of many others that are to be carried out to give a new life to this historical monument.
“Today we celebrate the completion of the first phase. It was an important investment of over two million euros. And money is still needed, but I think we manage to mobilize, to find the resources to carry out this project because we all want to save it, not to see the degradation of a beautiful object that can bring much joy and can further beautify Chisinau,” said President Maia Sandu.
The Chisinau Circus was built in 1981. In May 2022, the building was included in the Register of State Protected Monuments.
