Hotels near National Museum of Art of Romania

The National Museum of Art of Romania occupies the former Royal Palace on the west side of Revolution Square, which was the official residence of King Carol I, Ferdinand I, Carol II, and Michael I between 1837 and 1947. The palace was heavily damaged in the 1989 Revolution (the bullet marks are still visible on the facade) and now holds three major collections across three separate galleries reached from the same courtyard entrance.

The European Art Gallery holds around 3,000 paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts including works by El Greco, Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet, and Renoir. The Romanian Modern Art Gallery covers 19th and 20th century painting with the largest single collection of Nicolae Grigorescu, Theodor Aman, and Constantin Brancusi. The Romanian Medieval Art Gallery displays Orthodox icons, illuminated manuscripts, and precious metalwork from Wallachia and Moldavia dating from the 14th century onwards. Entry is 30 RON for all three galleries.

Pro Tip: Buy the combined ticket at the courtyard entrance rather than trying to cover just one wing - the Medieval Gallery in particular is often overlooked, but its icons from the Curtea de Arges monastery are among the most important religious art anywhere in the Balkans. Allow at least three hours for all three galleries.