In the heart of Bucharest, Romania, lies the Romanian Athenaeum—a concert hall renowned for its architectural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene.
This neoclassical masterpiece stands tall as one of the city's most attractive landmarks, designed by the renowned French architect Albert Galleron, who followed the guidelines of a team of Romanian architects. Galleron also designed the National Bank of Romania building in the Old Centre, which is a must-see in Bucharest.
Home to the prestigious George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra and host to the esteemed George Enescu Festival, the Romanian Athenaeum holds a prominent place in Europe's cultural landscape.
The Romanian Athenaeum, standing at an impressive height of 41 meters and a dome diameter of 29.16 meters, captures the attention of visitors. When guests enter, they are welcomed by an interior that rivals the splendor of the front. The interior is decorated with spiral stairs and beautiful sculptures, providing an aura of grandeur and artistic expertise. The auditorium itself is a sight to behold, with superb acoustics and capacity for 600, plus 52 box seats (for a total of approximately 794 seats). The most impressive element is a 75-meter-long, 3-meter-wide fresco depicting major periods in Romanian history—an fascinating visual narrative that adds to the space's charm.
The birth of the Romanian Athenaeum originated with the Romanian people's generosity. The construction project was largely funded by a donation campaign in which people were invited to donate 1 leu each — an inspirational example of community support for the arts. Restoration and painting work gave the structure new life in 1992, sparing it from degradation and preserving its cultural significance. The Romanian Athenaeum was received the prestigious designation of European Heritage Mark in 2007 in honor of its historical and architectural value—a monument to its continuing legacy.
Aside from its architectural and historical appeal, the Romanian Athenaeum is a vital source of cultural enrichment. It is the prestigious home of the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra, which performs on its stage on a regular basis. One of Europe's most major cultural events, the George Enescu Festival, attracts music lovers from all over the world to witness the peak of classical music. A tiny park adjacent to the Romanian Athenaeum greets visitors, along with a statue honoring Mihai Eminescu, the renowned Romanian poet. Nearby cultural wonders include the National Art Museum of Romania, the Kretzulescu Church, and the gorgeous Cismigiu Park, each of which offers a unique viewpoint on Bucharest's rich cultural legacy.
Useful information
Address:1-3 Benjamin Franklin Str., Bucharest 030167
Website:https://www.filarmonicaenescu.ro/en
Email:office@filarmonicaenescu.ro
Phone:021 315 2567
Open hours:
Visiting hours may be affected by concerts – please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Tickets can be purchased at the Musicians' Entrance on Benjamin Franklin Street (cash only) or from the Athenaeum Box Office on Constantin Esarcu Street.
Public transport:Bus - Știrbei Vodă bus stop, Bd. Nicolae Bălcescu bus stop (route and stops - https://stbsa.ro/) Metro M2: Piața Romană (route and stops - http://www.metrorex.ro)
