A house of art awaits us. The K. H. Zambaccian Museum stands here. It holds a rich collection born from one man’s passion. That man was Krikor Zambaccian. He was a rich merchant and devoted collector.
The K. H. Zambaccian Museum is one of Romania’s most important museums. It features over 300 works of art. These range from paintings to sculptures and furniture.
Krikor Zambaccian was born in Constanta in 1889. He studied Commerce in Anvers and Paris. There he discovered contemporary art. He befriended Matisse Dufy and Derain. These artists helped him meet art dealers and collectors. They gave him a larger understanding of art.
Zambaccian returned to Bucharest. Bucharest was called little Paris. It had a vivid bohemian society. Zambaccian befriended artists writers and journalists. He collected Romanian art. He supported new artists. Zambaccian even used his home as an exhibition space. He built a new house in 1930 to house his art. C.D. Galin designed it.
In 1946 Zambaccian donated his house and collection to the Romanian state. He had 310 works including paintings graphics sculptures and furniture. This secured his immunity against the communist regime. Zambaccian wanted future generations to admire his life’s work. The museum opened in 1947.
The K. H. Zambaccian Museum presents the history of Romanian art. It starts in the mid-19th century. It continues to the mid-20th century. The collection features Nicolae Grigorescu and Ioan Andreescu. It also includes Stefan Luchian and Nicolae Tonitza. Sculptures by Dimitrie Paciurea and Constantin Brancusi are present. There are also 19 works by French painters. These include Delacroix Cezanne and Matisse.
In 1978 the Zambaccian Collection moved to the Art Museum. This was because the original house was damaged in the 1977 earthquake. The museum reopened in its original location in 1996. The K. H. Zambaccian Museum became an important part of Bucharest’s cultural legacy.
The K. H. Zambaccian Museum is on Muzeul Zambaccian Street. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday. The K. H. Zambaccian Museum promises an unforgettable experience. It is a must-see for art lovers. It offers a glimpse into a collector’s passion. It showcases the best of Romanian art.