Nicolae M. Nica Folk Art Museum in Chilia-Făgețelu

Located in the former village school of Chilia, Făgețelu commune, Olt County, the Nicolae M. Nica Folk Art Collection is a valuable cultural and tourist landmark in southern Romania. Established in 1979, the collection preserves over 2,500 traditional Romanian artifacts – including authentic folk costumes, vintage textiles, farming tools, ceramics, and traditional furniture. At its heart are the works of folk artist Nicolae M. Nica (1917–2014), known as the “Sphinx of Chilia,” who dedicated his life to safeguarding and celebrating the folk heritage of the Oltenia region.

Renowned for its uniqueness, the museum showcases intricate sculptures in wood and bone, some combined with aluminum, created using rare artisanal techniques. Many of these works were carved by hand from a single piece of carefully selected material to ensure durability. These original masterpieces capture the essence of rural traditions, old crafts, and the authentic lifestyle of 20th‑century Oltenian villages.
Today, the Nicolae M. Nica Folk Art Collection stands as a genuine ethnographic museum in Olt County, offering visitors an immersive journey into Romanian folk craftsmanship, artistic ingenuity, and the enduring charm of southern Romania’s cultural traditions.