A high culture tour of Bucharest's artistic gems
Bucharest is a city where high culture thrives in unexpected corners. It's a place where travellers will find works by global names in private collections and orchestral performances of the highest quality. But that's not all. If you know where to look, the Romanian capital is home to tucked-away jazz venues and havens for experimental art. In other words, it's a wonderful destination for creatively minded cultural explorers.
Conduct a tour of Bucharest's classical riches
What better place to start our tour of Bucharest cultural attractions than in the audience at a prestigious classical music venue? Located at the heart of Bucharest, the Romanian Athenaeum stands as a neoclassical jewel, its frescoed dome whispering tales of Romania's 19th-century Golden Age. Home to the George Enescu Philharmonic, the Athenaeum stages a dynamic mix of symphonic and choral works - always stirring emotions with its grandness and acoustic quality. If you adore opera, peruse the schedule of the National Opera House. Known for opulent productions that spare no expense and attract the cream of Romania's singing talent. Think elite-tier Mozart, Rossini and Donizetti.
Alternatively, spend time at the Ion Dacian National Operetta and Musical Theatre. Anticipate shows suffused with colour and energy, including classic musicals and modern-day compositions.
Tap your feet in the hottest Jazz cafes Bucharest has to offer
Some of the best Bucharest music venues also reflect the country's enduring passion for jazz. We definitely recommend checking out the capital's jazz bars and experimental performance spaces. There are plenty of places to head, but we think the Green Hours Jazz Cafe stands out. Located at Calea Victoriei 120, this gem of the Bucharest music and arts scene evokes the creativity and coolness of 1920s Paris. It's a space for outstanding musicians to achieve incredible improvisations, attracting international and local acts of the highest calibre.
Elsewhere, Sala Radio (Radio Hall) is an essential stop among Bucharest performance venues. Dating back to the 1950s, this modernist concert hall hosts a bit of everything. Experimentation and freedom come to the fore at Sala Radio. Expect something unexpected and unusual, but always technically superb. The sound is also exceptional due to the intelligent design, which is why it's the only Romanian music venue suitable for digital recordings.
Feast your eyes at the best art galleries in Bucharest
Bucharest has a glorious association with the world of art, contributing masters like Brancusi and George Enescu and creating deep connections with artistic movements across the globe. The result is a host of magnificent galleries and Romanian art museums (and endless opportunities for lovers of the visual arts).
Start at the National Museum of Art Romania for the wide-ranging collection. Far from limited to Romanian works, the museum houses pieces by El Greco, Breughel, Cranach and Rodin. Galleries of Romanian medieval art will draw the interest of artistic adventurers along with exceptional collections of modernist works such as Maxy's "Electric Madonna."
After that, step into the present at the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Bucharest, where bold creativity takes center stage. From cartoons and sketches to digital art and conceptual works, the museum showcases thought-provoking pieces that push the boundaries of artistic expression.
Dive into Bucharest's contemporary art scene
When you've explored the big national museums, it's time to go deeper. Some of the best art galleries in Bucharest are modestly sized, slightly off the beaten track and well worth your time.
At the contemporary end of the spectrum, we love Galeria Nicodim (Strada Băiculeşti, nr. 29) which promotes emerging artists and established avant-garde figures. MINA (the Museum of Immersive New Art) is another highlight of contemporary art in Bucharest. Characterised by tactile works that tap into every sense, MINA is a unique and thrilling attraction, which may be why it's a favourite venue for album launches and catwalk shows. We also love the Victoria Art Centre. Impeccably stylish, the centre displays major new talents from Romania and abroad. Shows always seek to challenge and inspire, creating unexpected collisions and pushing aesthetic boundaries.
Discover lesser known Romanian masters
Finally, there are smaller galleries for those with a taste for art history. For instance, the compact Zambaccian Museum houses the remarkable collection of Krikor H. Zambaccian. Works by Cezanne, Bonnard, Pissarro and Corot mingle with Romanian impressionists and neo-impressionists in a rich artistic array.
The Theodor Aman Museum Bucharest is another must. A founder of the Modern Romanian art school, Aman's works draw on Romanticism and the early stirrings of Impressionism, creating a distinctive blend that commands the eye.
Explore the city’s ever-evolving cultural landscape while staying at Corinthia Bucharest. Our team will ensure your experience is seamless, leaving you free to discover the creative energy that defines the capital.
