Theaters, opera and museums are not missing from Bucharest's rich cultural agenda. Be sure to check Șapte Seri or Zile și Nopți for a listing of what's going on in the city every day.
Theaters in Bucharest
Bucharest has a lively scene of both public and independent theaters. Most shows are in Romanian, but you may find the occasional English-language production, especially in the independent theaters. Tickets can be anywhere between 5 and 30 euros.
National Theater
Bd. N. Bălcescu 2.
The biggest theater in Bucharest and in Romania, located in the center of the city, next to the University Square. Founded in 1836.
Comedy Theater
Str. Sf. Dumitru 2
Bulandra Theater
Bd. Schitu Măgureanu 1
Metropolis Theater
Str. M. Eminescu 89
Nottara Theater
Bd. Gh. Magheru 20
Small Theater
Str. Constantin Mille 16
Odeon Theater
Calea Victoriei 40-42
Ion Creangă Theater
Str. Piața Amzei 3
Țănădrică Theater
Str. G-ral Eremia Grigorescu 24
Bucharest's only animation and pupper theater.
Godot Cafe-Theater
Str. Blănari 14
ARCUB
Str. Lipscani 84-90
Masca Theater
Bd. Uverturii 14
Act Theater
Calea Victoriei 126
Bucharest Opera
The Bucharest National Opera is the main classical ballet and opera company of Romania, and is located on Bd. M. Kogălniceanu 70-72.
Classical music lovers can also attend the concerts of the George Enescu Philharmonic, the country's most prestigious orchestra, in the National Ahteneum. Another alternative is the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra, a relatively young and innovative orchestra seeking to bring classical music to traditional and non-traditional spaces.
An important event in the city's classical music scene is the "George Enescu" Festival, taking place every second year in September, with world-class orchestras and famed interpreters.
Museums in Bucharest
Museums are a great way to find out more about Romania's history, culture, and traditions. The city has a wide selection of public and private museums, some along the main avenues and in the tourist areas, some hidden from view, but excellent nonetheless.
Museums are generally open from Tuesday to Sunday (some from Wednesday to Sunday), and are generally closed during public holidays. Tickets can be bought at each museum's ticket office.
Entrance is free during the Night of the Museums, held every year in May, but beware of the crowds.
Romanian Peasant's Museum
Str. P. Kiseleff 3
Open from Tuesday to Sunday: 10.00-18.00
One of the most innovative museums in Bucharest, former winner of the European Museum of the Year award. Has permanent exhibitions on Romanian traditional lifestyles, as well as temporary exhibitions and events.
Village Museum
Str. P. Kiseleff 28
Open every day: 9.00 - 19.00 (Mondays 9.00 - 17.00)
An open-air museum exhibiting houses from all over Romania. An excellent choice in winter and summer alike.
"Grigore Antipa" Natural History Museum
Str. P. Kiseleff 1
Open from Tuesday to Sunday: 10.00 - 20.00
A modern natural history museum, especially suited for children.
National Art Museum
Calea Victoriei 49-53
Open Wednesday to Sunday: 10.00 - 18.00 (October to April) / 11.00 - 19.00 (May to September)
The former Royal Palace when the country was still a monarchy now houses the most extensive art collection in Romania, including works by Rembrandt, Renoir, and the impressionist masters.
Combined tickets are available for the National Art Museum, the Zambaccian Museum, the Theodor Pallady Museum and the National Museum of Art Collections (see below).
National History Museum
Calea Victoriei 12
Open Wednesday to Sunday: 9.00 - 17.00 (October to April) / 10.00 - 18.00 (May to September)
Exhibits include artifacts from the pre-Roman and Roman period and exhibitions about the country's participation in the 20th century World Wars.
National Museum of Contemporary Art (MNAC)
Str. Izvor 2-4 (access through Calea 13 Septembrie)
Open Wendesday to Sunday: 10.00 - 18.00
A relatively recent museum, opened in the south-western wing of the Palace of Parliament. The museum tries to redefine the use of one of the most controversial buildings in Romanian history. Temporary exhibitions only.
Palace of the Parliament (The House of the People)
Str. Izvor 2-4
Open every day: 10.00-16.00. Guided tours only.
The House of the People, as it was formerly known, is the biggest building in Romania and second largest administrative building in the world (after the US Pentagon). Built during the last decade of the communist regime over a neighborhood specifically demolished for the purpose, it now houses the Romanian Parliament. Guided tours are organized for visitors in a small selection of luxurious rooms, huge halls and quarters displaying crystal chandeliers, mosaics, marble stairs, gold leaf and floors covered in rich carpets. Plan your visit in advance as visits are with a valid I.D. only. Booking is recommended at the phone number (021) 311 36 11.
National Museum of Old Books and Maps
Str. Londra 39
Open Wednesday to Sunday: 10.00 - 18.00
A quirky collection of old books and maps of this part of the world, in a quiet neighborhood in the North of the city.
Zambaccian Museum
Str. Muzeul Zambaccian 21 A
Open Wednesday to Sunday: 10.00 - 18.00 (October to April) / 11.00 - 19.00 (May to September)
A formerly private collection of Romanian art, housed in a beautiful historical house near the Victoriei Square. The museum is part of the network of national art museums, that offer the possibility of a combined ticket (see the National Art Museum above).
Museum of Art Collections
Calea Victoriei 111
Open Wednesday to Sunday: 10.00 - 18.00 (October to April) / 11.00 - 19.00 (May to September)
The museum houses former private collections of Romanian and European art, donated or nationalized in the fifth decade of the past century. The museum is part of the network of national art museums, that offer the possibility of a combined ticket (see the National Art Museum above).
Theodor Pallady Museum
Str. Spatarului 22
Open Wednesday to Sunday: 10.00 - 18.00 (October to April) / 11.00 - 19.00 (May to September)
A small museum exhibiting a valuable collection of 19th century Romanian paintings in an old heritage house. The museum is part of the network of national art museums, that offer the possibility of a combined ticket (see the National Art Museum above).
George Enescu Museum
Calea Victoriei 141
Open from Tuesday to Sunday: 10.00 - 17.00
A memorial house dedicated to the country's prominent composer.
National Geology Museum
Str. P. Kiseleff 2
Open every day: 10.00-18.00.
The museum houses an important collection of mineral artefacts, as well as exhibitions on the formation of minerals and mankind's relationship to the Earth.
Update 21/12/2018
Babbel is an international success with millions of active subscribers and ranked as the world's #1 innovative company in education.
Why Babbel?
Learn and review on your own schedule: Mobile, tablet or desktop compatible, with lessons about 10-15 min.
Expert-made courses: Learn the basics or focus on topics like travel, culture, or business.
Start speaking right away: Learn to speak a new language naturally and conversationally.
Every learner is different: Each course is based on your native language and personal interests.
Remember everything: Babbel employs proven cognitive techniques that move new vocab to your long-term memory.
Refine your pronunciation: Practise speaking and improve your pronunciation with speech recognition technology.
Try Babbel for free today
Registration with Babbel is completely free of charge and the first lesson in every course is FREE to try (Depending on the language you choose, that's 30-80 free lessons!).
If you want full access to Babbel's courses, simply choose a subscription that works best for you. Buy with confidence: 20-day money back guarantee!