The exhibition 'The Founders Museum', an initiative of the White House which is part of the Freedom250 campaign dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, opened on Wednesday at the National Library of Romania.

The public can discover portraits of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, influential figures of the revolutionary era and the moments that led to the birth of the United States of America, the Ministry of Culture said in a Facebook post.

The exhibition, which recreates an installation displayed at the White House, opened in the presence of the Ambassador of the United States of America to Romania, Darryl Nirenberg, Culture Minister Demeter Andras Istvan, and the director of the National Library of Romania, Bogdan Gheorghiu.

The event also marks 20 years of American Spaces in Romania - a network that, globally, counts over 700 centers in 140 countries and which has brought over 850,000 participants to more than 14,000 cultural and educational programs in Romania. American Spaces are key touchpoints for millions of people globally, building connections between the United States and communities worldwide, through programs that encourage dialogue, access to information and the exchange of ideas. The National Library of Romania has been hosting one of these spaces since 2013, frequented by young people, students and teachers.

In his address at the opening of the exhibition, Ambassador Darryl Nirenberg said that visitors 'will have the opportunity to reflect on the ideals that guided the founding of the American republic - ideals that have resonated far beyond America's shores,' as 'the American experiment has always rested on a simple but powerful belief: that the principles of liberty and self-government are not confined to one nation but have the power to inspire people everywhere.'

Culture Minister Demeter Andras Istvan said that 'the Founders Museum exhibition brings to the attention of the Romanian public an essential chapter in modern history and, above all, the foundations upon which a democratic society was built. It is an invitation to look more closely at ideas that have stood the test of time and remain relevant: freedom, responsibility, and respect for the law.'

National Library Director Bogdan Gheorghiu welcomed approximately 200 guests, including government officials, NGO leaders, local authorities, alumni of U.S. exchange programs, members of the academic community, law enforcement representatives, and local media.

The event was also attended by cultural figures, representatives of the diplomatic corps, officials and journalists.

The exhibition can be visited throughout the year. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Popescu; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)