The beautiful, monumental and simply superb Neo-Classical building that houses Romania's National History Museum was constructed from 1894-1900 to the designs of local architect Alexandru Săvulescu. It originally served as the headquarters of Poşta Romană, the Romanian postal service. When the post office moved away in 1970, the History Museum moved in.
Alas, despite being home to some of Romania's greatest possessions, the museum is barely merits your time. If you are expecting the story of Romania from Geto-Dacian times to the present-day to be told in a clear, concise and engaging way then you will be disappointed. What makes the place just about worth the entrance fee is the Romanian Treasury in the basement, which includes jewellery from the time of the Geto-Dacians, as well as the current Romanian Crown Jewels: the king's crown and an amazing selection of emeralds made for Queen Marie, wife of Romanian King Ferdinand and the granddaughter of Queen Victoria.
The bizarre statue on the museum’s steps - which appeared during May 2012 - allegedly represents the emperor Trajan holding a wolf. It has not unsurprisingly been the subject of much ridicule, and is a popular object for both locals and visitors to have their photo taken with. Ironically, of course.
Alas, despite being home to some of Romania's greatest possessions, the museum is barely merits your time. If you are expecting the story of Romania from Geto-Dacian times to the present-day to be told in a clear, concise and engaging way then you will be disappointed. What makes the place just about worth the entrance fee is the Romanian Treasury in the basement, which includes jewellery from the time of the Geto-Dacians, as well as the current Romanian Crown Jewels: the king's crown and an amazing selection of emeralds made for Queen Marie, wife of Romanian King Ferdinand and the granddaughter of Queen Victoria.
The bizarre statue on the museum’s steps - which appeared during May 2012 - allegedly represents the emperor Trajan holding a wolf. It has not unsurprisingly been the subject of much ridicule, and is a popular object for both locals and visitors to have their photo taken with. Ironically, of course.
