Romanian Athenaeum
Bucharest-Ilfov Region
The Romanian Athenaeum, located in the heart of Bucharest, is a prestigious concert hall and a symbol of Romanian culture. Opened in 1888, the building features a neoclassical style with romantic touches, designed by French architect Albert Galleron. It serves as the home of the "George Enescu" Philharmonic and hosts the renowned George Enescu Festival. The Athenaeum is notable for its grand circular auditorium seating about 600 in the stalls and additional seats in 52 loges. A remarkable 75-by-3-meter fresco by Costin Petrescu adorns the interior circular wall, depicting key moments of Romanian history from the Roman conquest of Dacia to the unification of Greater Romania in 1918. The building stands in front of a small park with a statue of the Romanian poet Mihai Eminescu. Recognized as a cultural landmark, it was inscribed on the Label of European Heritage sites in 2007. The Athenaeum is not only an architectural gem but also a historical site where the 1919 conference ratifying the unification of Romanian territories took place. Extensive restoration in 1992 saved it from collapse, ensuring its continued role in Romania’s artistic and cultural life.
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Astuce: Visitors should consider attending concerts during the George Enescu Festival for a unique cultural experience. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant. Tickets for events can be purchased in advance, often with discounts for students and seniors. Arriving early allows time to appreciate the building’s architecture and the impressive fresco. Guided tours may be available, offering deeper insights into the Athenaeum’s history and art.
Faits intéressants
- •The Romanian Athenaeum's fresco by Costin Petrescu is 75 meters long and depicts Romanian history from Roman times to 1918.
- •The building was funded by a 28-year public subscription campaign with the slogan "Donate one leu for the Athenaeum!".
- •In 1919, the Athenaeum hosted the conference ratifying the unification of Greater Romania.
- •It was inscribed on the Label of European Heritage sites in 2007.
- •The Athenaeum houses the George Enescu Philharmonic and hosts the George Enescu Festival, Romania's most prestigious classical music event.
Histoire
Founded by the Romanian Athenaeum Cultural Society in 1865 to promote art and science, the Romanian Athenaeum was designed by Albert Galleron and inaugurated in 1888, with construction continuing until 1897.
Fundraising was supported by a famous 28-year public subscription campaign with the slogan "Donate one leu for the Athenaeum!" In 1919, it hosted the conference that ratified the unification of Bessarabia, Transylvania, and Bukovina with Romania, forming Greater Romania.
The building underwent extensive restoration in 1992 to prevent collapse, funded equally by the Romanian government and the Council of Europe Development Bank.
Guide du lieu
Main Auditorium1888-1897
The circular concert hall with seating for 600 in the stalls and additional seats in 52 loges. It features excellent acoustics and is decorated with the grand fresco by Costin Petrescu depicting Romanian historical milestones.
Conference Hall1888-1897
Located on the ground floor, this ornate hall is as large as the auditorium above and is used for conferences and cultural events.
Exterior and Park
A small park in front of the Athenaeum features a statue of Mihai Eminescu, Romania's national poet, enhancing the cultural ambiance of the site.
Contact
Téléphone: 021 315 2567