National Museum of Art of Romania

Muzeul Național de Artă al României

Housed in the former Royal Palace on Revolution Square, it holds Romania's finest collection of medieval and modern national art plus European masters. The grand setting and rich galleries make it a cultural highlight of the capital.

Things to do

• Romanian Medieval Art Gallery — Admire Byzantine-influenced icons, church frescoes, and religious treasures rescued from monasteries across the country.
• European Old Masters Gallery — View works by El Greco, Rembrandt, Rubens, Tintoretto, and Monet in the palace's stately picture halls.
• Modern Romanian Art collection — Explore masterpieces by Nicolae Grigorescu, Theodor Aman, Ștefan Luchian, and sculptor Constantin Brâncuși.
• Tour the royal Throne Hall — Walk through the restored ceremonial spaces of the former Royal Palace where kings once presided.
• Explore Revolution Square — Step outside to see the Memorial of Rebirth monument and sites marking the 1989 fall of Ceaușescu.
• Visit the nearby Romanian Athenaeum — A short walk away, this ornate concert hall is one of Bucharest's most beautiful landmarks.

Food to try

• Sarmale — Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, a hearty Romanian classic often served with polenta and sour cream.
• Mămăligă — Traditional cornmeal polenta served as a side with cheese, sour cream, or stews at nearby restaurants.
• Mici (mititei) — Grilled skinless sausages of seasoned minced meat, a beloved Bucharest street and pub food.
• Papanași — Fried doughnuts topped with sour cream and sweet berry jam, a favorite Romanian dessert.
• Ciorbă de burtă — A sour tripe soup seasoned with garlic and vinegar, a comforting local specialty.
• Coffee at a Calea Victoriei café — Pause at a historic café along the elegant avenue running past the museum.

Local customs & good to know

• Check gallery opening days — The museum is typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your visit for later in the week.
• Separate gallery tickets — The European and Romanian galleries may require distinct tickets, so consider a combined pass for full access.
• Respect the 1989 history here — Revolution Square outside is a solemn site of the anti-communist revolution, so treat the monuments with respect.
• Photography rules vary — A photo permit may be required for some galleries, and flash is generally prohibited to protect artworks.

Nearby

• Revolution Square — 0 km
• Romanian Athenaeum — 0 km
• Cișmigiu Gardens — 1 km
• Stavropoleos Monastery — 1 km