National History Museum of Romania

Standing almost opposite the Beaux-Arts CEC Palace on Calea Victoriei and just as architecturally impressive, Romania’s history museum is a majestic piece of Neo-classical styling, with a colonnaded façade flanked by two symmetrical side wings. It is the work of architect Alexandru Săvulescu and was completed in 1900 as the headquarters of the Poşta Romană (Romanian Postal Service). When this moved on in 1970, the building inherited the country’s impressive history collections, which spreads across 60 displays.
Although much of the museum is currently closed pending renovation, it should still be seen for its two major collections: the priceless jewelry in the Romanian Treasury and the Bronze Age relics in the Lapidarium. Highlights include a full-size replica of Trajan’s Column in Rome and a selection of the Romanian Crown Jewels. A heavily satirized and very naked bronze sculpture stands on the museum’s steps; it is of Emperor Trajan carrying a wolf and is meant to symbolize the birth of Romania as the Roman province of Dacia.

Practical Info

Calea Victoriei 12. Open Wed–Sun 9am–5pm. Admission adults 25 LEI; seniors 15 LEI; students and children aged under 18 7 LEI. Take the metro to Piata Unirii or Universitate.