National Museum Of Art Of Romania

Overview

The National Museum of Art of Romania, nestled in the heart of Bucharest, is a cultural jewel housed within the grand former Royal Palace. Established in 1948, it proudly holds the nation's largest and most comprehensive collection of fine artworks. Visitors can explore diverse art forms across its three primary galleries: the Old Romanian Art Gallery, the Modern Romanian Art Gallery, and the European Art Gallery. Beyond these, the museum also features a significant Oriental art collection, making it the country's prime holder of Romanian, European, and Oriental artistic heritage.

History & Cultural Background

The story of the National Museum of Art of Romania is deeply intertwined with the history of its regal setting. The building itself was once the Royal Palace, constructed on the site of the former Golescu Palace. King Carol I, an avid art lover, played a pivotal role in assembling the foundational European collection during the late 19th century. After a devastating fire in 1927, King Carol II oversaw the reconstruction of the palace in 1935, shaping the stately edifice visitors see today. Following the exile of King Michael in 1948, the palace was nationalized and transformed into the museum, initially known as the Art Museum of the Romanian People's Republic. The museum faced a period of closure after being damaged during the 1989 Romanian Revolution. Bullet holes and traces of fire from those tumultuous events can still be observed on certain walls, serving as poignant reminders of its past. A decade later, in 2000, parts of the museum gradually reopened, with the comprehensive Medieval art collection returning in 2002. Further historical spaces, including the Throne Room, were integrated into the permanent exhibition in 2013.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets the National Museum of Art of Romania apart is its extraordinary combination of a historic royal residence and an unparalleled art collection. The former Royal Palace provides a magnificent backdrop, offering a blend of classical architecture and a palpable sense of regal refinement. Inside, the museum's breadth is astonishing, showcasing a journey through artistic movements and cultural identities. The Medieval Romanian Art collection illuminates spiritual traditions through icons, frescoes, and intricate woodwork dating from the 14th to the 18th centuries. The Modern Romanian Art Gallery proudly displays works by national luminaries such as Constantin Brâncuși, Nicolae Grigorescu, and Theodor Pallady, chronicling the evolution of Romanian artistic expression. The European Art Gallery, largely built upon King Carol I's private collection, features masterpieces by international giants including El Greco, Rubens, Rembrandt, Monet, Delacroix, and Tintoretto. The museum also houses an extensive Oriental art collection, comprising over 5,000 objects, including Islamic, Chinese, and Japanese art, with notable carpets, ceramics, and metalwork. This diverse array offers a unique dialogue between local and global artistic narratives.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Stepping into the National Museum of Art of Romania is like walking through living history, where every corner holds a tale. The presence of bullet holes on its exterior walls offers a striking, albeit somber, reminder of the 1989 Revolution's impact on this significant landmark. King Carol I's passion for art was instrumental; his personal collection forms the core of the European gallery, reflecting his vision for a culturally rich Romania. Art enthusiasts will find a particular thrill in viewing early sculptures by Constantin Brâncuși, a pioneer of modernism, which provide insight into how he surpassed his mentor, Auguste Rodin. Interestingly, the museum also proudly displays Rodin's own iconic works, 'The Kiss' and 'The Age of Bronze'. A visit to the majestic Throne Room, with its towering ceilings and detailed embellishments, transports visitors back to the days of Romanian monarchy. The museum is also committed to inclusivity, demonstrated by its 'ARTmobile' project, which provides descriptive content, sign language interpretations, and tactile diagrams, making art accessible to visually and hearing-impaired visitors.

Visitor Perspective

For any traveler exploring Bucharest, the National Museum of Art offers a profoundly enriching experience. Conveniently located in Revolution Square in central Bucharest, it's easily reachable by public transport and within comfortable walking distance of the city's Old Town. To truly absorb the vastness of its collections and the splendor of its setting, visitors are advised to dedicate a substantial amount of time—at least three to six hours, or even a full day. Guided tours, available in English and other languages, can deepen understanding and provide invaluable context to the artworks and the former royal chambers. The museum strives for an accessible and engaging environment, inviting visitors to ponder the evolution of art and Romanian identity. Whether you are drawn to the intricate details of medieval icons, the bold strokes of modern Romanian masters, or the timeless beauty of European art, the National Museum of Art of Romania promises a memorable journey through centuries of human creativity.