The National Museum of Art of Romania occupies the former Royal Palace on Calea Victoriei, facing Revolution Square and the Athenaeum. The palace was the residence of Romania’s kings in the twentieth century and was damaged in the fighting of December 1989, after which the museum was restored. Its galleries hold three main collections. The Romanian medieval art gallery is the highlight, with icons, embroidered textiles, carved iconostases and church silver from Wallachia, Moldavia and Transylvania. The modern Romanian gallery runs from Nicolae Grigorescu and Theodor Aman to early sculptures by Constantin Brâncuși. The European gallery covers Old Masters from Italy, Spain and the Low Countries. The museum also opens the palace’s historic royal rooms on some days.
When to go: the main museum is open Wednesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, with later hours at weekends. Entry is free on the first Wednesday of each month, on 1 December, Romania’s national day, and on 15 January. The ticket offices close an hour before the museum does.
Current notes: the historic royal rooms are closed on 5 November 2026, and the gallery of European decorative art is closed until further notice, so check the official hours page before planning around them. No booking is needed for independent visits.
How to see it: start with the medieval gallery, then the modern Romanian rooms, and leave the European gallery for last if time is short. Allow two to three hours. A café and shop are on site, and the Athenaeum and Calea Victoriei’s cafés are steps away for a break.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to the medieval, modern Romanian and European galleries in the former Royal Palace.
Best time
Wednesday to Friday mornings; the first Wednesday of the month is free but busier.
How long
Two to three hours.
Tips
Remember it is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, start with the medieval gallery, and check the hours page for room closures.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Art lovers and anyone wanting a rich rainy-day museum.
- Families
- Best for older children; the icons and royal rooms work better than the long painting galleries.
- Couples
- A quiet afternoon of art, then a concert at the Athenaeum across the road.
- Pair with
- Romanian Athenaeum, Bucharest Old Town and Cărturești Carusel.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
When is the National Museum of Art open?+
Wednesday to Sunday; it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and on several public holidays.
Is there a free day?+
Yes, the first Wednesday of every month, plus 1 December and 15 January.
Where is the museum?+
In the former Royal Palace on Calea Victoriei, opposite the Romanian Athenaeum.
Does it have works by Brâncuși?+
Yes, the modern Romanian gallery includes early sculptures by Constantin Brâncuși.
Do I need to book?+
Not for independent visits; guided visits must be booked at least a week ahead.
