02
Victory Avenue
of Bucharest
A walk along this charming street reveals the essence of the city’s soul, through the perfect fusion of past and present, sometimes with amazing effects. Every step reveals new treasures and secrets, a surprising combination of fast cars and tourist buses, luxurious shop windows and shabby facades, but also an endless string of striking monuments and captivating museums!
Victory Avenue (Calea Victoriei) is considered by many to be the most beautiful and elegant street in the city, a perfect fusion of old and new, past and present, sometimes with surprising effects. Flanked by important museums, sumptuous palaces, pretentious hotels and chic cafes, Victory Avenue constantly keeps us enchanted with each new discovery. It runs in the western part of the historic center of Bucharest, from the Dâmbovița River in the south (United Nations Square) to Victory Square in the north, with a total length of over 2 kilometers. We can easily explore it on foot, on some summer weekends it is even closed to road traffic. There are several public transport stations along it and nearby, including the metro station in Victory Square.
Starting from the south, we first find ourselves between the fanciful facade of the CEC Palace and the classical one of the history museum, with its immense Doric columns. Housed in the building known as the Post Office Palace, which dates back to 1890, the National History Museum was established here starting in 1970, and inside we discover an impressive collection that includes the most important archaeological discoveries and historical objects in the country. Until 1990, the museum and its exhibitions were heavily influenced by the communist regime, which were completely reorganized after the Revolution, to illustrate the historical truths of Romania’s past. Unfortunately, the museum is in the midst of a long and complicated renovation process, which began two decades ago.
We can, however, get an idea of the number and value of the treasures that may lie locked away in chests, waiting for the day when they can be brought to light again. A small part of the permanent collection is open in a few rooms and comprises less than a quarter of the museum’s total heritage. The most important pieces are exhibited within the Historical Treasury, with approximately 3,000 incredible exhibits, including jewelry, religious objects, royal crowns and other treasures, many of them unique. In another room, we can visit the Lapidarium collection, with over 150 exhibits of ancient and medieval art and architecture. At the center of these we discover the fascinating replica of Trajan’s Column in Rome, created by craftsmen from the Vatican. In addition to these, the National Museum of History also hosts many temporary exhibitions with interesting themes.
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Hidden from the eyes of passers-by, the Macca-Villacrosse Passage welcomes us with its mysterious atmosphere, enveloped in a diffuse light that transports us to another world. An architectural marvel occupied by cafes and shops, the passage is covered by glass domes and was part of an old inn, opened since 1891 and later purchased by the municipality. Before the intersection with Queen Elisabeta Boulevard, we are also delighted by the buildings of the Nifon Palace and the Grand Hotel du Boulevard, while passing beyond, we arrive in front of the National Military Circle, an interesting building built starting in 1911, with exhibition spaces inside. Nearby, we are greeted by two other representative historical buildings of the capital, the Capitol Hotel and the Capșa House.
Passing the Odeon theater building dating from 1911, in front of the Telephone Palace and a few modern hotels, we finally enter Revolution Square, the central place of the events of 1989, commemorated by the Renaissance Monument in the middle of the square. First, we admire the reddish silhouette of the Kretzulescu Church, dating from the early 18th century. The left side of the street is dominated by the superb building of the National Museum of Art, opened in 1948 inside the Royal Palace that hosted the Romanian monarchy until World War II. The most important art museum in Romania contains an impressive heritage of works of art gathered over the years, starting with 1948. We thus have the opportunity to admire some of the over 70,000 works exhibited in the two main collections, of Romanian art and European art.
The Romanian Gallery is also divided into ancient art (14th century – mid-19th century), which includes icons, frescoes, manuscripts, jewelry, ceramics or sculptures, and modern art (mid-19th century – 1970), with paintings and sculptures by Romanian masters such as Theodor Aman, Nicolae Grigorescu, Ștefan Luchian, Nicolae Tonitza, Constantin Brâncuși and others. The European Art Gallery is the largest of its kind in the country, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, El Greco, Rubens, Tintoretto, Monet, Rodin and many others. The museum also houses a collection of Islamic art and a virtual art gallery. There are also several museums belonging to this prestigious institution, located in other spaces in the city.
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Opposite the Royal Palace stands the majestic building of the Central University Library, with the equestrian statue of King Carol I. Nearby, we are captivated by the classical elegance of the Romanian Athenaeum, one of the most beautiful monuments in Bucharest, built in an impressive combination of neoclassical and eclectic styles. Similar to an Ionic temple from antiquity, it was built at the end of the 19th century and has several exceptional features, such as the magnificent interior frescoes, illustrating different episodes from the history of Romania, or the immense dome on whose frontispiece the names of personalities are inscribed. We can rest for a few moments near the steps and white marble columns of this seductive monument, then continue our exploration to the north.
We pass by hotels, restaurants, cafes and luxurious shops, until we arrive in front of the charming neoclassical facade of the Știrbey Palace, followed by the elegant Romanit Palace, which houses the Museum of Art Collections. It contains an impressive heritage consisting of over 30 collections of paintings, sculptures, graphics, Romanian, European and Oriental decorative art. We slowly approach the end of the journey, but not before a walk through Nicolae Iorga Park or admiring the building that houses the George Enescu National Museum (Cantacuzino Palace), several churches and other historical buildings. Victory Avenue inevitably ends in Victory Square, with its overwhelming crowd that makes us regret the bohemian atmosphere up to here.
On the side streets and alleys that lead off from this amazing boulevard, we can discover many other treasures of Bucharest, often hidden among modern buildings. Among them, monuments such as Saint Joseph’s Cathedral, Amzei Church, Mița Biciclista House, Niculescu-Dorobanțu House and others are worth looking for. Beyond Victory Avenue, Bucharest offers a lot of other fascinating places and experiences, with museums, palaces, parks, churches and other exceptional places…
Sights and Experiences
Places to See and Things to Do on Victory Avenue in Bucharest
National Museum of History
Opening hours: Wed – Sun / 9 -17 | Tickets: 20 lei (4€)/Adult
Bringing together the most important and interesting historical and archaeological collections of Romania, the museum contains an impressive number of priceless treasures. The building is known as the Post Office Palace and dates back to the late 19th century, being built in a neoclassical style inspired by the palace with the same purpose in Geneva. The most impressive element is the main facade, with 10 Doric columns and two majestic domes. It housed the headquarters of the Romanian Post Office until 1970, when it was renovated and transformed into a history museum. Currently, the museum is undergoing a long process of renovation and reorganization of the collections influenced in the past by the communist regime. However, a small part of the permanent collection can be visited in a few rooms already arranged.
National Museum of Art
Opening hours: Wed-Fri / 10-18 | Sat-Sun / 11-19 | Tickets: 60 lei (12€)/Adult
The most important art museum in Romania is housed in the magnificent Royal Palace in Bucharest, which was the residence of the royal family until 1944. The current building was completed in 1937, on the site of the former Golescu House, which had become the royal court for about 100 years. After the removal of the royal family, the palace was restored by the communist regime and used for various purposes, becoming partly an art museum starting in 1953. Today, the museum includes an impressive heritage of works of art gathered over time. Visitors have the opportunity to admire a large part of the over 70,000 works of art exhibited in the two main collections, of Romanian and European art.
Museum of Art Collections
Opening hours: Mon-Fri – 10am-6pm (closed Wednesday) / Sat-Sun – 11am-7pm | Tickets: 40 lei (8€)/Adult
Part of the National Museum of Art, this amazing collection is housed in the former Romanit Palace, a magnificent building, representative of 19th-century Bucharest, also located on Calea Victoriei, near the intersection with Dacia Boulevard. The museum includes over 30 priceless permanent collections, most of which were donated over time by wealthy families of the city. Among other things, here we can admire masterpieces of painting, sculpture, graphics, decorative art and others, some of which were created by masters of Romanian art such as Theodor Aman, Nicolae Grigorescu, Ioan Andreescu, Nicolae Tonitza, Gheorghe Petraşcu, Theodor Pallady, Alexandru Ciucurencu and others!
Revolution Square
Considered the most beautiful and representative public square in Bucharest, it is surrounded by impressive buildings and monuments, including the former Senate building, a landmark of the 1989 Revolution. That historical moment is also marked by the Renaissance Memorial, a somewhat controversial monument. Other important attractions in Revolution Square include the former Royal Palace (now the National Museum of Art), the Kretzulescu Church, the Central University Library with the statue of King Carol I, the Palace of the Ministry of the Interior, the Athenee Palace Hotel and others. Considered among the most important historical monuments in Bucharest, the Kretzulescu Church was built in a superb Brancovenesque style and still preserves some of the original paintings in the porch, as well as very valuable interior paintings, made by Ghe. Tattarescu.
Romanian Athenaeum
Opening hours: Several hours a day | Tickets: 15 lei (3€)/Adult
One of the most beautiful monuments of Bucharest, the Athenaeum was built at the end of the 19th century in a perfect combination of neoclassical and eclectic styles. Designed by a French architect, the building, partially financed by the community, resembles a genuine Greek temple from antiquity. Among the architectural elements, the facade with Ionic columns containing the portraits of great rulers and the large central dome, on which the names of universal personalities are inscribed, stand out. Inside, in addition to the sumptuous concert hall, the main attraction is the large fresco depicting 25 episodes from the history of Romania.
Macca-Villacrosse Passage
Built at the end of the 19th century, this splendid passageway connects Calea Victoriei with Strada Lipscani and the old center of Bucharest. With a rich and fascinating history, the passageway is located on the site of a famous inn of the city, which was demolished with urban development. Its specific shape is due to the ingenious solution of an architect who had to bypass a hotel located in the middle of the planned passageway. Inside, we are enveloped in the warm and diffuse light created by the unique glass roof, while the spaces are now occupied by restaurants, cafes and shops!
Theodor Aman Museum
Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday / 10 – 18 | Tickets: 20 lei (4€)/Adult
Located right in the monumental building where the great Romanian artist lived and painted, near Calea Victoriei and the National Museum of Art, this interesting museum presents both paintings and graphics created by Theodor Aman, as well as objects that belonged to him. The museum is one of the oldest in the country, having been open since 1908, and the architecture and interior decoration of the house in neoclassical style represent the artist’s vision!
Literature Museum
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday / 10 – 17.45 | Tickets: 33 lei (7€)/Adult
Located a stone’s throw from Calea Victoriei and near the Romanian Athenaeum, this interesting museum presents the history of Romanian literature, with details about the life and work of Romanian writers, but also other unique exhibits that introduce visitors to the universe of letters and stories. From unique manuscripts of writers like Mihai Eminescu or Ion Creangă, to very old and valuable books or personal objects and photographs, the museum contains an incredible heritage of over 300,000 pieces!
Other Interesting Discoveries
Amzei Square
Situat între Calea Victoriei și Piața Romană, acest spațiu fermecător aparține de istoria Bucureștiului și cuprinde câteva monumente excepționale, dar și o atmosferă încântătoare. Printre locurile pe care le putem admira în zonă se numără Biserica Amzei, un monument superb în stil eclectic de la începutul secolului 20, Casa Mița Biciclista, o clădire în stil art nouveau ce se bucură de notorietate în ultimul timp sau Muzeul Art Safari!
Art Safari Experience
Art Safari is more of a unique and original cultural experience than a permanent museum. Opened in several locations in the capital over the past few years, it now also occupies a space on Amzei Street, near Calea Victoriei, presenting several fascinating exhibitions and collections.
Odeon Theatre
With a history spanning many decades and undergoing many transformations, the small Odeon Theater on Calea Victoriei still offers captivating performances every season, including with well-known actors and directors. A unique experience in the city’s cultural landscape, the theater also occasionally offers guided tours for visitors!
Tickets: 40 – 120 lei (8-24€)/adult
English Passage
Even though it is not as famous as the nearby Macca-Villacrosse passage, it is interesting rather for its past, when it was one of the favorite locations for those looking for fleeting pleasures, and the hotel here was transformed into a brothel frequented by the personalities of the interwar capital. The dark and slightly mysterious atmosphere still reminds us of those times!
George Severeanu Museum
The historic building that houses this unique museum near Căia Victoriei belonged to the first director of the Bucharest City Museum and contains his collection of surprising historical objects. Among the special exhibits, we can highlight the unique numismatic collection (with over 9,000 valuable pieces), but also the amazing antiquities, from Greek and Egyptian vases to medieval documents or art-nouveau furniture!
Opening hours: Wednesday – Sunday / 10 – 18 | Tickets: 20 lei (6€)/adult
Mirage 3D Museum
A new and exciting experience awaits visitors near Calea Victoriei and Cișmigiu Park. Promoted as the first 3D museum in Romania, it includes a lot of attractions for all ages, from optical illusions to modern art installations or sensory experiences!
Opening hours: Wed-Fri – 12-19 / Sat-Sun – 11-20 | Tickets: 70 lei (14€)/adult
Accommodation Recommendations
The best lodging options on Victory Avenue of Bucharest
Rating 9.1 from 1.933 reviews!
One of the most prestigious hotels in Bucharest, this exceptional establishment offers high-quality facilities and services, 2 acclaimed restaurants and more!
Victory Avenue no. 56
Rating 8.3 from 4.655 reviews!
Located right on Victory Avenue, this modern hotel offers superior accommodation in welcoming rooms, access to a spa with an indoor pool, and a restaurant with local specialties!
Victory Avenue no. 37B
Rating 8.3 from 1.830 reviews!
Located in a historic building over 100 years old, this hotel near Victory Avenue and the Romanian Athenaeum offers spacious rooms with all amenities, a restaurant and a bar!
Amzei Square n0. 8