Palace Courtyard

Overview

Stepping into the area known as the Palace Courtyard at the National Museum Of Art Of Romania in Bucharest, Romania, means entering a space imbued with centuries of history. This grand exterior surrounds what was once the Royal Palace, the official residence of Romanian kings, before its transformation into a premier cultural institution. It's not a secluded, internal courtyard but rather the expansive front and side areas that frame the monumental building, serving as both an imposing entrance and a historical reflection of Bucharest's past.

Today, this Courtyard provides visitors their first impression of the National Museum Of Art Of Romania (MNAR), offering a moment to appreciate the former palace's architecture and its prominent location within Revolution Square. It's a place where the echoes of royal pomp and significant historical events converge with the daily rhythm of a bustling capital city.

History & Cultural Background

The history of the Palace Courtyard is inextricably linked to the Royal Palace itself, a site that has continuously evolved since the early 19th century. Its origins trace back to the Golescu Mansion, a neoclassical residence built between 1812 and 1815 by Dinicu Golescu. This mansion was acquired by the Romanian state in 1833 and subsequently became the official residence for Wallachian princes, including Alexandru Ghica and Gheorghe Bibescu, and later, for the ruler of the United Principalities, Alexandru Ioan Cuza.

With the arrival of Prince Carol of Hohenzollern in 1866, who would become King Carol I, the palace embarked on a significant period of expansion and modernization. French architect Paul Gottereau led some of these transformations between 1882 and 1885, giving the building neoclassical features befitting a royal residence. A devastating fire in 1926 heavily damaged the central part of the palace. King Carol II oversaw its complete reconstruction and further extension in the 1930s, culminating in the edifice largely seen today, completed in 1937 under architect Nicolae Nenciulescu (or Arthur Lorentz for designs).

The palace served as the royal family's residence until 1947, when King Michael I's forced abdication led to the establishment of the communist regime. In 1948, the palace was nationalized, and by 1950, it began its new life housing the national art collections, officially becoming the National Museum Of Art Of Romania. The Courtyard, therefore, has borne witness to the transition from monarchy to communism and, finally, to its current role as a beacon of culture.

What Makes It Special

What makes the Palace Courtyard special is its role as a silent witness to major historical transformations and its continued function as a welcoming prelude to Romania's artistic heritage. It's the grand vestibule to the former Royal Palace, a building that has been central to Romanian statehood and culture for over two centuries.

The Courtyard's broad expanse and the palace's imposing facade, with its classical architectural elements, evoke the majesty of its royal past. The area directly in front of the palace, Revolution Square, is graced by an equestrian statue of King Carol I, a powerful reminder of the monarch who significantly shaped the nation and the palace itself. This exterior space, while not an art exhibit in itself, sets the stage for the artistic treasures housed within, providing a sense of gravitas and historical continuity that enhances the museum experience.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The Palace Courtyard, as the immediate surroundings of the former Royal Palace, holds countless unspoken stories. Imagine the hustle and bustle during royal ceremonies, the arrival of foreign dignitaries, or the quiet movements of kings and queens going about their daily lives. It was within these walls and surrounding spaces that King Michael I, on August 23, 1944, announced Romania's shift from the Axis to the Allies during World War II—a pivotal moment in the nation's history.

The area also saw the first anti-communist rallies in November 1945, reflecting its enduring significance as a public forum for national sentiment. The palace and its courtyard were tragically caught in the crossfire during the 1989 Romanian Revolution, suffering damage to both the building and its collections. Yet, like Romania itself, the palace has always revived, becoming even more beautiful and magnificent after each challenge. Today, the Courtyard subtly tells this tale of resilience and transformation.

Visitor Perspective

For a curious traveler, the Palace Courtyard offers an immediate immersion into Bucharest's rich history before even stepping inside the museum. It provides ample space to pause, admire the stately architecture of the former Royal Palace, and appreciate its grandeur. This open area allows for excellent photographic opportunities of the building and the statue of King Carol I.

Approaching the museum, visitors walk through a space that has witnessed the dramatic shifts of Romanian history, from a royal court to a communist seat of power, and now a public art gallery. While there isn't a 'courtyard' per se to explore as an exhibit, the exterior functions as an integral part of the museum's presence, preparing the visitor for the artistic and historical journey within. The museum itself is known for its vast collections, including medieval and modern Romanian art, and a European art gallery with works by masters like El Greco and Rembrandt, making the approach through the historic Palace Courtyard a meaningful start to any visit.