“Did you know that a family’s legacy can echo through generations shaping the cultural landscape of an entire nation?” Let’s step inside the world of Romanian theater and music at the C.I. and C.C. Nottara Memorial Museum.
The C.I. and C.C. Nottara Memorial Museum was once located on Dacia Boulevard. It opened its doors in 1956 thanks to Ana Nottara’s donation. Ana was the wife of composer Constantin C. Nottara. He was the son of the great actor C.I. Nottara.
Now located elsewhere, the museum preserves the Nottara family’s cultural heritage. The building on Dacia Boulevard was no longer suitable. It did not meet the standards for preserving the collection. The Bucharest Municipality Museum only administered it. This was based on a lease contract. Two inheritors of Ana Nottara initiated a retrocession process.
The C.I. and C.C. Nottara Memorial Museum collection boasts around 7300 books. These books are in French Romanian and German. It includes photographs documents and medals. The Nottara family received these items over the years.
Constantin C. Nottara acquired furniture paintings statuettes and porcelain during his European travels. The Bechstein piano was the centerpiece of the music salon. It was played for 50 years.
Constantin I. Nottara was born in Bucharest in 1859. He is considered a founder of modern Romanian theater. He began his artistic career alongside Grigore Manolescu and Aristizza Romanescu. Nottara was part of the “golden generation”. He was an exceptional actor and director. Nottara dedicated his life to the Romanian stage. He was also a brilliant teacher.
The C.I. and C.C. Nottara Memorial Museum reveals a gallery of artists. These artists represent the golden generation. They include Stefan Velescu and Agatha Bârsescu.
The ground floor reflected the great actor’s modest life. It featured functional furniture and gifts from admirers. A vast library housed Romanian and French literature. It held dramatic works and music scores. The C.I. and C.C. Nottara Memorial Museum was educational preserving artistic treasures.
C.I. Nottara shaped Romanian theater. He was a professor to many great actors. These included Tony Bulandra and Maria Filotti. He played around 700 roles refining the actor’s craft. In 1926 he became an honorary member of the National Theater.
The Nottara family’s collection includes decorative objects. Many were gifts from students and colleagues. Portraits feature prominent Romanian actors. These include Agatha Bârsescu and Elvira Popescu.
C.C. Nottara enriched the collection during his travels. He acquired art furniture and musical instruments. There are paintings bronzes Murano glass and porcelain.
Today the C.I. and C.C. Nottara Memorial Museum collection is being reorganized. It will soon reopen to the public. You can explore it virtually on the museum’s website. The Nottara legacy lives on inspiring future generations.