National Art Museum

Bucharest


Housed in the 19th-century Royal Palace, this massive, multipart museum – all signed in English – houses two permanent galleries: one for National Art and the other for European Masters. The national gallery is particularly strong on ancient and medieval art, while the European gallery includes some 12,000 pieces and is laid out by nationality.

The Royal Palace itself is a treat. Built from 1812 to 1815 by Prince Dinicu Golescu, the palace became the official royal residence in 1834 during the reign of Prince Alexandru Ghica (r 1834–42). The facade dates from the 1930s. See the website for occasional public tours of chambers of the building that are normally off limits to visitors.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bucharest attractions

1. Rebirth Memorial

0.09 MILES

This striking memorial, respected and reviled in equal measure, marks the dramatic events of 1989, when many people died in this area for their opposition…

2. Creţulescu Church

0.1 MILES

The modest Creţulescu Church stands in repose near the far larger and more dramatic Royal Palace. Look for the original paintings near the door to the…

3. Athénée Palace

0.12 MILES

Just to the north of the National Art Museum is the Athénée Palace, so evocatively captured in its postrevolutionary, prostitute-teeming state by Robert…

4. Theodor Aman Museum

0.13 MILES

This is the lovingly restored residence and studio of 19th-century Romanian painter Theodor Aman. Aman's skill was in small, finely rendered oil paintings…

5. Romanian Athenaeum

0.15 MILES

The exquisite Athenaeum is the majestic heart of Romania’s classical-music tradition. Scenes from Romanian history are featured on the interior fresco…

7. Cişmigiu Garden

0.3 MILES

West of Calea Victoriei is the locally beloved Cişmigiu Garden, with shady walks, a lake, cafes and a ridiculous number of benches on which to sit and…

8. Art Collection Museum

0.42 MILES

A grab bag of several dozen private collections, particularly strong on folk and religious art and Romanian painting from the 19th and early 20th…