National Museum Of Art Of Romania

National Museum of Art of Romania: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Situated in the heart of Bucharest, the National Museum of Art of Romania (MNAR) is a premier destination for art and history enthusiasts. Housed in the former Royal Palace on Calea Victoriei, MNAR is not only a showcase of Romania’s most significant artistic treasures but also a monument to the nation’s evolving identity. Visitors to MNAR can experience centuries of Romanian, European, and Oriental art, all within a building that has played a pivotal role in the country’s modern history. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know—MNAR visiting hours, tickets, collections, accessibility, and practical travel tips—ensuring a memorable visit to one of Bucharest’s most iconic historical sites (MNAR official site, RomaniaTourism, WhichMuseum).

Introduction
Historical Overview
Collections and Cultural Significance
Visitor Information
Special Events and Photography
Getting There and Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Recommendations
References and External Links

Historical Overview

Origins and Early Development

The roots of MNAR trace back to the 19th century, aligning with the unification of Wallachia and Moldavia in 1859 and the drive to establish national institutions reflecting Romania’s identity (academia.edu). While the first public museum in Bucharest opened in 1834, dedicated art collections and systematic efforts to preserve cultural artifacts accelerated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Royal Palace: Architectural Evolution

The museum’s home, the former Royal Palace, began as a merchant’s residence in the early 1800s and was transformed into the royal family’s official residence in 1882. French architect Paul Gottereau’s neoclassical redesign gave the palace its stately appearance, with grand interiors such as the Throne Hall and Voivodes’ Staircase remaining open to the public (whichmuseum.com, mnar.ro).

Establishment as a National Museum

After the monarchy’s abolition in 1947, the Royal Palace was repurposed as the National Museum of Art of Romania in 1948, consolidating collections from the royal family and several private museums. Over time, MNAR expanded to include Romanian medieval, modern, European, and Oriental art (mnar.ro).

Key Milestones and Expansions

Post-War Restoration: The museum’s collections survived WWII evacuations and post-war damage, reopening with expanded treasures, including art returned from the Soviet Union in 1956.
Communist Era: The MNAR played a role in safeguarding artifacts from religious sites demolished during systematization campaigns, preserving fragments of Romania’s architectural heritage.
Post-1989 Renewal: The Romanian Revolution brought renewed energy to MNAR, including restorations and a focus on transparency and international collaboration.
Recent Developments: The 21st century saw the opening of new galleries, such as the European Decorative Art Gallery and, in 2024, the Oriental Art Gallery, featuring nearly 600 objects from across Eurasia (mnar.ro).

Collections and Cultural Significance

Romanian National Gallery

Medieval Romanian Art

Showcasing over 900 icons, mural paintings, embroideries, manuscripts, silverware, and woodcarvings, the Medieval Romanian Art gallery illustrates the fusion of Byzantine, Oriental, and Western influences. Salvaged frescoes and liturgical objects preserve the legacy of churches lost during the Communist era (mnar.ro, Bucharest.net).

Modern Romanian Art

This gallery highlights the evolution of Romanian art from the 19th to the late 20th century, with works by Theodor Aman, Nicolae Grigorescu, Ștefan Luchian, Constantin Brâncuși, Gheorghe Petrașcu, Theodor Pallady, Nicolae Tonitza, Francisc Șirato, and Victor Brauner. The collection bridges Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, and Surrealism, marking Romania’s artistic renaissance (MNAR official site).

European Art Gallery

Featuring over 300 works from the 15th to 20th centuries, the European Art Gallery includes masterpieces from:

Flemish/Dutch: Rembrandt, Jan van Eyck, Jan Brueghel the Elder
Italian Renaissance/Baroque: El Greco, Tintoretto, Tiepolo
French Impressionists: Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley
German and Austrian Schools: Lucas Cranach the Elder, Hans von Aachen
Decorative Arts: European furniture, Sèvres and Meissen porcelain, Venetian glass, tapestries, and clocks (MNAR official site, Bucharest.net).

Gallery of Oriental Art

The unique Oriental Art Gallery, inaugurated in 2024, houses nearly 1,400 works from the 7th to 20th centuries:

Islamic Art: Ceramics, textiles, metalwork from Iran, Turkey, Egypt
East Asian Art: Japanese prints, Chinese porcelain, lacquerware
South Asian/Caucasian Art: Artifacts from India, Azerbaijan, Dagestan (MNAR official site).

The Art Collections Museum and Lapidarium

Located in the Romanit Palace, the Museum of Art Collections displays over 30 private collections, including Romanian and European art, Oriental ceramics, and folk icons. The Lapidarium features architectural fragments—columns, capitals, inscriptions—preserved from historic monuments (MNAR Art Collections Museum).

Visitor Information

Location and Access

Address: Calea Victoriei 49-53, Bucharest, in Revolution Square
Nearest Metro: Universitate (10-minute walk)
Tram/Bus: Multiple lines serve the area (Bucharest.net)
Parking: Limited; public transport recommended

Visiting Hours

Wednesday to Friday: 10:00–18:00
Saturday/Sunday: 11:00–19:00
Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays
Free Admission: First Wednesday of each month (MNAR official site)

Ticket Information

Adult Combined Ticket: 32 RON (~€6.34)
Reduced Admission: Available for students, seniors, groups
Children under 7: Free
Purchase: On-site or online via the official MNAR website
Guided Tours: Reservation required at least 7 days in advance; available in Romanian and English

Accessibility

MNAR is fully committed to accessibility:

Wheelchair access and elevators throughout the main building
Tactile diagrams, short films in Romanian Sign Language
Written and aural descriptions for select works
Guided tours for visitors with visual or hearing impairments (Museum for All)

Visitor Tips

Photography is permitted in most galleries without flash; special exhibitions may have restrictions
Guided tours provide deeper insight and context—book in advance
Check the official website for updates on temporary exhibitions and events

Special Events and Photography

MNAR regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, and major cultural events such as the “George Enescu” Classical Music Festival (RomaniaTourism). The Throne Hall and palace facade are popular for photography; tripods and professional equipment require prior approval.

Getting There and Nearby Attractions

Transport: Metro (Piata Romana, M2 line), buses 162, 133, 178, 300, 368, 381
Nearby Sites: Revolution Square, Kretzulescu Church, Romanian Athenaeum, the Memorial of Rebirth, and Cismigiu Park—all within walking distance (Bucharest.net)

Interactive Map of MNAR and Nearby Sites

Virtual Tour of National Museum of Art of Romania

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are MNAR’s visiting hours?
A: Wednesday to Friday 10:00–18:00, Saturday and Sunday 11:00–19:00. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Adult combined ticket is 32 RON (~€6.34), with discounts for students, seniors, and free admission on the first Wednesday of each month.

Q: Can I buy tickets online?
A: Yes, via the official MNAR website.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in Romanian and English by reservation (at least 7 days in advance).

Q: Is MNAR accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, with wheelchair access, tactile diagrams, and sign language resources.

Q: Are there special exhibitions and events?
A: MNAR regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events—check the official site for the latest updates.

Q: What else can I visit nearby?
A: Revolution Square, Romanian Athenaeum, Kretzulescu Church, and Cismigiu Park are all close to MNAR.

Must-See Highlights

Throne Hall: The centerpiece of the former Royal Palace, open during select guided tours (MNAR official site)
Brâncuși’s Early Works: Sculptures by the renowned modernist (Bucharest.net)
Medieval Icons and Frescoes: Icons and artifacts from Romania’s religious heritage
European Masters: Works by Monet, Rubens, El Greco, Rembrandt
Decorative and Oriental Collections: Rare Sèvres porcelain, Meissen glass, and Oriental artifacts

Conclusion and Recommendations

The National Museum of Art of Romania is a cultural gem, offering an unparalleled journey through centuries of artistic achievement. Its accessible facilities, rich collections, and historic setting make it essential for anyone interested in Romanian or European art. For the best experience, plan ahead by checking the latest MNAR visiting hours and ticket options, book guided tours, and make time to explore the surrounding historic center of Bucharest. Enhance your visit with the Audiala app for audio guides and museum updates, and stay informed about exhibitions and events through MNAR’s official channels.

References and External Links

Images:

Exterior of the Royal Palace (alt text: “National Museum of Art of Romania Royal Palace facade in Bucharest”)
Romanian National Gallery interior (alt text: “Romanian National Gallery medieval icons at MNAR”)
European Art Gallery featuring Monet’s painting (alt text: “Claude Monet painting on display at MNAR European Art Gallery”)
Oriental Art Gallery ceramics (alt text: “Islamic ceramics in MNAR Gallery of Oriental Art”)
The Throne Hall interior (alt text: “The Throne Hall at the National Museum of Art of Romania”)

Plan your visit now! Download the Audiala app for guided audio tours and museum updates. Follow MNAR and Audiala on social media for the latest news, and share your experience with fellow culture lovers.