FORGOTTEN WARRIORS AND ETERNAL ADORNMENTS

The 19th-century building in the center of Cluj, which houses the National Museum of Transylvanian History, was not originally designed as a museum. Initially, it served as the private residence of a theater and culture enthusiast who envisioned transforming it into a cultural hub for the city of Cluj. The space hosting the exhibition “ Forgotten Warriors and Eternal Adornments: Migratory Barbarians during the Crisis of the Roman Empire (5th–6th Century AD)”, located in the museum’s eastern wing, had to be transformed from a conventional space into an immersive exhibition space.

After several years of planning, the museum managed, in 2025, to bring the treasure from Șimleu Silvaniei to Romania for the first time. This treasure, currently part of the collections of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna and the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest, is considered one of the most important discoveries from the migration period of the 5th century.

The exhibition space consists of a series of distinct rooms, which require visitors to follow a linear route. Redefining these rooms spatially and creating a neutral background were essential to highlighting the displayed artifacts. The visual concept is layered, with the main themes being migration, landscape, and archaeology. Migration is approached as the central theme, explored from both historical and contemporary perspectives. It is a phenomenon that has shaped human history over centuries and continues to have a significant impact today. This theme is reflected in the idea of movement (nomadic) across territory and landscapes. The landscape is further explored as the context in which the artifacts were discovered, creating a connection between their past use and their recent discovery. Thus, a new historical moment is introduced alongside the period of the artifact’s use – the moment of its archaeological discovery. The story of how these artifacts were found and the journey they took to become part of the museum’s collection offers visitors an educational and interactive experience.

The primary goal of the design is to help visitors understand the historical context and the key moments that define each artifact’s story. Materials used in the exhibition, such as rammed earth pedestals, stone fragments, sand and wheat “fields”, emphasize the landscape theme. The walls are subtly textured, sometimes rougher, sometimes smoother, to complement the artifacts without overshadowing them.

The lighting is carefully designed to highlight the displayed pieces and immerse visitors in the exhibition’s theme and narrative. Each artifact is illuminated with precise, directed lighting that emphasizes fine details and material textures without distracting from the object itself. Additionally, the lighting plays a crucial role in guiding visitors along the exhibition path, creating contrast between display areas and transition zones.

The exhibition follows a unidirectional route, organized chronologically, with thematic rooms where each subject is presented in a unique manner. Along the exhibition path, two rest areas have been introduced. The first is the “Discovery Room,” where animations present the story behind each artifact, and visitors can experience the role of an archaeologist through interactive activities. The second is a circular room with immersive projections, offering a space for relaxation and reflection.

Most of the exhibited pieces are jewelry, many belonging to local elites and admired for the exceptional craftsmanship in working gold and precious stones. The collection’s most valuable piece is the onyx fibula from Șimleu, a one-of-a-kind artifact and the most remarkable imperial fibula preserved to this day. A unique category within the exhibit is the display of deformed skulls, which illustrates a widespread practice of the time—artificial cranial deformation, frequently adopted by nomadic communities.

Another intriguing aspect of the exhibition is the story of how the artifacts were discovered. Visitors can learn surprising details, such as how the treasures of Pietroasa were chopped with an axe, with the precious stones falling into the mud and later being dug up by pigs. These narratives add an extra layer of context and authenticity, showcasing the fascinating journey of these artifacts from their discovery to their inclusion in the museum’s collection.

Thus, the exhibition is not merely a classic museographic endeavor but a cultural journey that bridges the past and presents it in an accessible and engaging manner for all audiences.

PROGRAM: interior design

STATUS: completed

SURFACE: 332 sqm

LOCATION: Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania

YEAR: 2024

COLLABORATORS: constructor – Creativbau; furniture – Lignum Power; lighting – Unique by Klausen; earth works – Bucea Mihai; ceramics – Arami Plant; animation – Unda Obscura; graphics – TD Studio; print – Accent Advertising; display – Media Imagination; textile -Narativo, Mendola Fabrics; electronics – Root Systems

PHOTO: Cristina Rădulescu, Silviu Aldea, Violea Frișan