Imagine Bucharest in 1921. The city fathers decided to create a museum. It would document Bucharest’s life across the centuries. This vision became the Bucharest Municipality Museum.
In 1930, the Municipal Council offered Casa Moruzi. It was also known as the House in Chains. This became the museum’s first home. The museum opened in 1931. By 1940, it held 4330 exhibits.
However, the building was in poor condition. The Bucharest Municipality Museum had to move. This was in the summer of 1940. The museum changed location several times. This was detrimental to its work.
Finally, in 1959, the museum moved to Șuțu Palace. The palace was built between 1833 and 1835. Johann Veit and Conrad Schwinek were its architects. Șuțu Palace has a Gothic style. It features a vast dome and a remarkable central hall.
Today, the Bucharest Municipality Museum boasts a collection of some 300000 items. These describe Bucharest from the late 17th to the early 20th century.
Among the museum’s treasures is Constantin Brancoveanu’s arrow. It is made entirely of gems. Also, there is the first document mentioning Bucharest’s name.
The museum also displays archaeological finds. There are numismatic and medal collections. You will also find photos, maps, and fine art. These are all Bucharest-related artifacts.
The Bucharest Municipality Museum also includes several memorial museums and collections in other locations.
One is the Gheorghe Tattarescu Memorial Museum Collection. Tattarescu co-founded the Bucharest School of Fine Arts in 1864. He lived and worked in the building for over 40 years.
Another is the Pompiliu and Ligia Macovei Collection. It features 100 paintings by artists like Theodor Pallady and Lucian Grigorescu. It also has 211 pieces of decorative art.
The Frederic Storck and Cecilia Cuțescu-Storck Collection is in the artists’ former home. It includes over 2400 pieces. The base exhibition has over 200 artworks.
The Cornel Medrea Collection began with a donation in 1948. It includes paintings and sketches.
The Bucharest Municipality Museum Pinacotheque was founded in 1933. King Carol II supported it. Dr. George Severeanu became its first director. In 1939, the gallery held 756 works. Nowadays the Pinacotheque features 2458 paintings by Romanian artists such as Theodor Aman and Ștefan Luchian.
The Old Tomes Collection features 1957 volumes. These include manuscripts and old Romanian books.
The Maria and Dr. George Severeanu Collection was donated to the city. George Severeanu was a passionate collector of antiquities. He was also the museum’s first director.
The C.I. and C.C. Nottara Collection opened in 1956. Ana Nottara, the composer’s wife, made the donation.
The Para-numismatic Collection has around 20000 objects. These include medals, insignias, and documents.
The Numismatic Collection holds around 38000 coins and bills. These came from archaeological sites and donations.
The Gold and Precious Metals Collection includes items donated by Dr. George Severeanu and his wife, Maria.
The Sculpture Collection includes plaques and busts. It features works by Romanian and foreign sculptors.
The Maps and Plans Collection includes 1336 pieces. It features maps from the 15th to 20th centuries.
The Prints and Imprints Collection features 7664 pieces. These include lithographs and engravings.
The Documents Collection features 11572 objects. They are in Romanian, Latin, and other languages.
The Decorative Art Furniture Collection features 227 pieces. Most are from the late 19th century.
The Decorative Art Porcelain Collection includes 4747 pieces. These include Sevres and Meissen porcelain.
The Decorative Art Metal Collection features 10860 items. These are made of copper, iron, and lead.
The Textiles and Clothing Accessories Collection includes 2091 objects. These are clothing items and accessories from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Religious Items and Icons Collection represents Romanian religious art.
The Fine Arts Collection was founded in 1956. It includes paintings, drawings, and engravings.
The Weapons Collection includes 533 objects. These range from swords to rifles.
The Miscellanea Collection includes 783 decorative and household items.
The Science and Technology Collection contains 2136 items. These are musical instruments and measuring devices.
The Bucharest Municipality Museum stands as a testament to Bucharest’s rich past. Its diverse collections offer a journey through the city’s evolution. Each artifact tells a story. Together, they weave a vibrant tapestry of Bucharest’s history and culture.