In a world in which technological progress seems to take us further and further away from our roots and speed us towards the future, our hearts leap with joy, like children, when we see that museums are opening, trying hard to preserve and transmit the values and cultural heritage of our country! One such museum is the Museum-workshop School of Piscu, in the commune of Ciolpani, Ilfov County.

Piscu School Workshop Museum - History, mission and vision

The village of Piscu is located 36 km from Bucharest and was once famous as a potter's village, known in the region for its pottery. Today, there are only about 3 potters left in the village who carry on the tradition in their spare time. 

Adriana and Virgil Scripcariu moved to Piscu village in 2006. The two, she an art historian and he a sculptor, fell in love with the village and its traditions. Out of the desire to preserve the cultural heritage, in 2017, the Piscu School was established as a school, workshop and museum. 

The Piscu School Museum-Workshop came to life in 2021, thanks to the Scripcariu couple. 

Running various educational programs, creative workshops and exhibitions, the museum aims to inspire and educate visitors of all ages, while encouraging the local community to rediscover and value its traditions.

Adriana and Virgil Scripcariu have succeeded in transforming a former potters' village into a meeting place for artists, craftsmen and culture lovers, motivated by the desire to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the area, especially the pottery tradition.

Piscu School Museum - Exhibitions and activities

The museum hosts a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions which include:

• Collections of traditional and contemporary pottery: Visitors can admire pottery pieces made by local craftsmen as well as modern creations by contemporary artists. The museum displays pottery from Piscu village and from all over the country. Here you will find clay pots with a wide variety of uses: drinking jugs, mugs, pots, zoomorphic and anthropomorphic clay figurines.
• Collections of traditional objects, including: authentic folk costumes, meticulously crafted with great attention to detail, old agricultural tools used in the fields and in the household, and handmade handicrafts reflecting traditional Romanian crafts - a valuable collection that provides an overview of Romanian rural life in different historical periods and emphasizes the importance of preserving and promoting local traditions.
• Pottery, drawing and linocut workshops: Under the guidance of craftsmen and artists, participants can learn pottery, drawing and linocut techniques and create their own works for a modest fee. The recommended age for the workshops is 4+ and younger children can only attend accompanied by parents. The workshops are also open to adults.
• Educational programs: the Museum organizes courses and workshops for children and adults to familiarize them with traditional arts and crafts.
• Cultural events: The museum hosts various cultural events, such as book launches, conferences and artistic performances, which contribute to the cultural life of the region.

Piscu School Museum-Workshop - Impact on the community

The Piscu School Museum-Workshop has had a significant impact on the local community, contributing to the economic and cultural revitalization of the area. By actively involving local people in the various activities and attracting tourists and art lovers, the museum has succeeded in creating a vibrant and creative environment.

Piscu School Museum-Workshop - Tourist Information

The Piscu School Museum-Workshop is open to the public on weekends and during the week for groups by appointment only. 
Admission costs 25 lei for adults, 15 lei for children and students and 60 lei for families. Architecture students have free access to the Museum.

The Piscu School Museum-Workshop is an outstanding example of how tradition and innovation can coexist and enrich each other. With a clear vision and a strong commitment to culture and education, the Scripcariu's have succeeded in transforming a traditional pottery village into a contemporary cultural center, attracting visitors from all over the world. The museum not only preserves and promotes the cultural heritage, but also inspires new generations of artists and craftsmen to continue this beautiful tradition.