The grandiose neo-Gothic Palace of Culture was built between 1906 and 1925 over Prince Alexandru cel Bun's ruined 15th-century princely court. At the time of research, renovations were expected to conclude by 2014. When open, you can enjoy the four small museums within, plus the Gheorghe Asachi Library .
The palace's Ethnographic Museum , one of Romania's best, has exhibits ranging from agriculture, fishing and hunting to winemaking, plus traditional costumes and rugs. The Art Museum is split into two: the Galeriade Artă Românească, with more than 20 works by Romanian artist Nicolae Grigorescu and others including Moldavian Petre Achiţemie; and the Galeria de Artă Universală, exhibiting foreign works. The History Museum highlights include portraits of Romania’s rulers since AD 81. Various mechanical creations and musical instruments are displayed in the less colourful Science & Technical Museum .
The palace is surrounded by historical reminders. On Piaţa Palatul Culturii is an equestrian statue of Ştefan cel Mare (1883). A memorial to Iaşi’s heroes who died in 1989 stands by the palace grounds entrance.
