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Top 4 Museums in Bucharest – The City of Museums

  • Writer: Erin
    Erin
  • Nov 7, 2022
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 31

Romania is a destination that is full of diversity, culture, and history. There is so much to explore, from the breathtaking nature full of wildlife to thriving cities that are some of the fastest growing in Europe. The culture that remains from ancient folklore to being known as some of the best food in the whole continent with its unmistakably homemade feel. All this and more are great reasons to add Romania to your must-visit list for 2023.


The capital city of Bucharest is the largest city in all of Romania. It is situated on the Danube River and has always been one of the main cities of Romania. One of the most notable aspects of Bucharest is its architecture. It is a beautiful blend of Soviet, European, and Medieval styles and will have you enthralled by the beauty of unlikely combinations. This stunning architecture is home to one of the most unique aspects of Bucharest, which are the museums.


With more than 60 museums in Bucharest, it is hard to decide which museums are a must-visit. As this daunting task can be a bit overwhelming, it is important to evaluate what interests you and what you find the most joy out of. In this week's blog, I'll dive into the top museum destinations that the entire group will love.



A quaint, rustic outdoor scene at the Village Museum features two traditional wooden houses nestled among lush green trees. In the foreground, a paved pathway composed of light grey flagstones curves gently to the right, with a patch of green plants and a small brown basket beside it. To the left, a light blue-painted house with a white trim and a grey shingled roof stands behind a wooden fence. A large tree with a thick trunk and a full canopy of leaves dominates the center of the image, partially obscuring the view of the blue house. To the right of the tree, a darker wooden building with a multi-tiered, shingled roof and an upper balcony is visible. The entire scene is surrounded by dense foliage, giving a sense of being in a rural, historical setting.
Village Museum


The Village Museum

As the country's first open-air museum, the Village Museum lets you experience original houses from Romanian villages. The museum has been welcoming guests since 1936. The museum was originally established to preserve their traditional heritage and culture for many years to come. As you travel through the village, you'll wander through buildings such as old houses, churches, and even windmills and barns that the locals would have used in their daily lives. The museum calls Heratstrau Park home, which is an amazing destination in and of itself as it is the largest park in the city. Due to the Village Museum being outdoors, this museum is best visited on sunny days for the full experience.


A vast and imposing building, likely the Palace of the Parliament, dominates the frame under an overcast sky. The massive structure is light-colored, featuring numerous rows of windows and intricate architectural details across its many stories. Its symmetrical facade curves outwards, creating a grand and expansive presence. In the foreground, a large patch of green grass is bordered by hedges and a paved area. A red and white circular sign (possibly a no-parking sign) is visible in front of the building. To the left, a dirt path and some construction materials are present, while cars are partially visible on the right.
Palace of the Parliament

National Museum of Contemporary Art

The National Museum of Contemporary Art is housed in the iconic Communist-era building that dominates Bucharest's skyline, the Palace of the Parliament. This museum is considered the top art museum in the entire city, showing unique pieces from Romanian and Eastern European artists. At different times there are temporary exhibits that you will be able to find new-to-the-scene Romanian artists. In addition to the art inside, the view from the hilltop on which the museum is located is one of the best views in all of Bucharest.


A grand, ornate classical building, likely the National Bank, stands prominently under a clear blue sky. The building is constructed of light-colored stone and features a stately facade with numerous decorative columns, intricate carvings, and arched windows on its lower level. A striking copper-colored roof is visible at the top, crowned with a clock. In front of the building, two dark blue flags are displayed, and several small coniferous trees are planted. To the right, a traditional black lamppost adds to the classical ambiance. The details of the architecture suggest a historic and important institution.
National Bank

The Museum Of The National Bank Of Romania

One of Bucharest's newest museums, The National Bank building, is in the Old Town. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The museum is on the famous Lipscani Street, built by French architects at the end of the 19th century. As Bucharest is the financial capital of Romania, this museum was designed to impress visitors with its ornate decorations, gold leaf conversing, and stunning marble structure, as it represents the most important institutions for the finances of the entire country of Romania. The collections include Romanian coins dating back to the sixth century BC and rare coins issued during World War II that were all but removed from circulation during the communist era. This museum is a destination for the collector and the history lover alike.


A traditional Romanian folk costume is displayed on a white background, featuring a white blouse with elaborate black and red embroidery on the sleeves and neckline. A vibrant red skirt, adorned with a floral pattern of pink, blue, and green flowers, complements the blouse. A decorative red woven bag with geometric patterns in yellow, green, and black, and a yellow tassel, is draped over the shoulder of the blouse. A white tassel also hangs from the bag.
Traditional Romanian Dress

The National Museum of the Romanian Peasant

Home to the most extensive collection of Romanian Peasant cultural artifacts, The Museum of the Romanian Peasant has spent years gathering these historical artifacts from all regions of the country. There are over 90,000 costumes, ceramic goods, and other household objects and items on display. Of that amount, around 20,000 are clothing and accessories that reflect the uniqueness and originality of peasant life. On February 24th Romanians celebrate Dragobete, a fair where you can meet local artists keeping the peasant culture and tradition alive.


If none of these fit into your travel style, that is ok. There are over 55 other museums that you could explore. Schedule a consultation to discover more about this wonderful city and all of the additional museum options that would be the perfect fit for your next adventure.

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