Bucharest, Romania is absolutely brimming with activities and things to do. So, whatever you’re looking for, Bucharest offers a huge number of art, history and cultural museums to choose from. Some of these museums offer an incredible insight into both Bucharest and Romania. So, here is my list of the best museums in Bucharest.
1. National Museum of Art of Romania
The National Museum of Art of Romania is an incredible exhibit divided into three main sections. Here you will find a Medieval Art Gallery, a Modern Romanian Art Gallery, and a European Art Gallery. This art museum also offers an amazing appreciation of the nations art and culture through different displays, making it one of the best things to do in Bucharest. Tickets are also very cheap, starting from around 24 Lei (£4.08) for adults. Buy your tickets for the National Museum of Art of Romania.
Location of the National Museum of Art of Romania
49-53 Calea Victoriei, București, România, 010063
Opening times
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – 10am-6pm
Thursday – 10am-6pm
Friday – 10am-6pm
Saturday – 11am-7pm
Sunday – 11am-7pm
Free entry on the first Wednesday of the month.
2. National Museum of Romanian History
If you’re not looking for art museums and you are more of a historian, the National Museum of Romanian History is also one of the best museums in Bucharest. This museum presents a very informative account of Romania’s past. In this exhibit you will find the full timeline from prehistoric times, all the way to the modern era. Some of the key features include a collection of Gothic gold artefacts, the Dacian bracelets, as well as the replica of Trajan’s Column. The National Museum of Romanian History also features the National Treasury of Romania.
Location
12 Calea Victoriei, Sector 3, București, România, 030026
Opening Times
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – 10am-6pm
Thursday – 10am-6pm
Friday – 10am-6pm
Saturday – 10am-6pm
Sunday – 10am-6pm
3. Museum of the Romanian Peasant
For a deeper, more authentic look into the lives and history of the common Romanian citizen, the Museum of the Romanian Peasant is a unique experience. This museum is aimed at celebrating Romanian rural life and folk culture. With this approach, the museum offers an authentic insight into the country’s culture. It also displays traditional clothing, pottery, tools, and household items through it’s vibrant exhibits. The Museum of the Romanian Peasant is extremely interesting and unique and definitely one of the best history museums in Bucharest.
Location
Şoseaua Kiseleff 3, Sector 1, Bucharest, 011341
Opening Times
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – 10am-6pm
Thursday – 10am-6pm
Friday – 10am-6pm
Saturday – 10am-6pm
Sunday – 10am-6pm
4. Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History
For yet another memorable experience, you should visit the National Museum of Natural History. This natural history museum features extensive exhibits on zoology, palaeontology, and also ethnography. This museum offers highlights including the showcasing of Romania’s diverse ecosystems, the dinosaur fossils, as well as a comprehensive collection of minerals and rocks. This is a great option for families and children. Presenting interactive exhibits as well as educational programs, this is without a doubt one of the best museums in Bucharest.
Location
Şoseaua Pavel D. Kiseleff 1, București 011341, Romania
Opening Times
Monday – closed
Tuesday – 10 AM – 6 PM
Wednesday – 10 AM – 6 PM
Thursday – 10 AM – 6 PM
Friday – 10 AM – 6 PM
Saturday – 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday – 10 AM – 7 PM
5. The National Museum of Contemporary Art (MNAC)
You will find a lot of art museums and exhibits in Bucharest, but The National Museum of Contemporary Art (MNAC) is one of the best, focussing on contemporary Romanian and international art. This particular display is found in the Palace of the Parliament and features incredible exhibitions, installations, as well as multimedia works. Equally, it is not just an art gallery, as it also hosts a variety of cultural events, performances, and workshops. With everything that it offers, MNAC is without a doubt one of the best activities in Bucharest.
Location
Calea 13 Septembrie 1-3, poarta B3 / intrarea E1, aripa E4, sector 5, 050563
Opening Times
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11:00 – 18:30
Thursday: 11:00 – 18:30
Friday: 11:00 – 18:30
Saturday: 11:00 – 18:30
Sunday: 11:00 – 18:30
6. The Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)
Similarly to the Museum of the Romanian Peasant, this museum recreates traditional Romanian village life but in an open-air setting. With a huge display, featuring over 300 authentic houses, churches, and outbuildings from different areas of the country, this is a beautifully authentic experience. The museum also allows you to explore the various structures, and learn about rural architecture, crafts, and Romanian traditions. Muzeul Satului is an amazing experience for people of all ages and also provides an interesting insight into traditional Romanian village life. If you’re looking for museums of the history of Romania, this is a must.
Location
Şoseaua Pavel D. Kiseleff 30, București 011347, Romania
Opening Times
Monday: 09:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 09:00 – 19:00
Wednesday: 09:00 – 19:00
Thursday: 09:00 – 19:00
Friday: 09:00 – 19:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 19:00
Sunday: 09:00 – 19:00
7. Cotroceni National Museum
This museum in Bucharest is found in the incredible Cotroceni Palace, and brings art, history, and architecture, all to one place. On your visit, you will be welcomed to the royal apartments, the presidential reception rooms, as well as offering a huge collection of beautiful decorative art pieces. You can also find a further load of religious objects and personal items belonging to Romanian royals. To ensure a great experience for everyone, you can buy tours in many different languages. With the English tour costing around 70 Lei (£11.86). Book your tickets to the Cotroceni National Museum.
Location
Bulevardul Geniului 1-3, București 060116
Opening Times
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 09:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: 09:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 09:00 – 17:00
Friday: 09:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00
8. Zambaccian Museum
The Zambaccian Museum also features an unbelievable collection of Romanian art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Included here are works by Nicolae Tonitza, Theodor Pallady, and Gheorghe Petrașcu along with additional pieces from French artists such as Cézanne, Renoir, and Matisse. As well as the exhibition itself, this museum is embedded in further history and significance due to being housed in the former residence of famed art collector Krikor Zambaccian. This museum is a must for anybody interested in art or historical Romanian artefacts and is one of the best activities in Bucharest.
Location
Strada Muzeul Zambaccian 21A, București
Opening Times
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 – 18:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 18:00
Friday: 10:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
9. Jewish History Museum (Muzeul de Istorie al Evreilor din România)
The Jewish History Museum in Bucharest demonstrates the history and contributions of the Jewish community in Romania. If you visit this museum, you will find many religious artefacts, historical documents, photographs, and also personal testimonies. Therefore, you can delve into a comprehensive look at Jewish life and heritage in Romania. The jewish community was a huge part of history all throughout Eastern Europe, with Romania being no different. This particular establishment is located in the Great Synagogue, which is also a building of great historical significance, having survived world war 2.
Location
Strada Mămulari 3, București 030167
Opening Times
Monday: 10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 09:00 – 12:30
The Best Museums in Bucharest
So, as you can see, Bucharest has a huge number of museums and galleries for you to choose from, no matter what your interests. Admittedly, this list is just a drop in the ocean of what is available to you. However, I believe this selection to showcase the best museums in Bucharest. Now, if art and history museums are not your cup of tea you can check out activities and other things to do in Bucharest and the best day trips from Bucharest. Alternatively, you can check out my full 3-day Bucharest itinerary. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy your trip!
If you’ve been to Bucharest and think there are other museums that should be on this list, let me know in the comments.
