Did you know that Casa Filipescu-Cesianu represents one of the few aristocratic residences from Bucharest’s Belle Époque? It still retains its appearance from 1892. Architect Leonida Negrescu radically modified the old facades back then.
Casa Filipescu-Cesianu stands near Victoriei Square. It is at the intersection of Calea Victoriei and Sevastopol Street. Sevastopol Street was once called “Filipescului Street”. This is because it stretched along the Filipescu properties.
Several aristocratic Romanian families resided here. They include Iancu and Maria Ghica Filipescu. Constantin Cesianu took it over in 1890. Later, the Romanian Broadcasting Society and the Communal Museum also used it. The Communal Museum is now the Museum of Bucharest. After 1990, Casa Filipescu-Cesianu housed the museum’s heritage depot and some offices.
As Podul Mogoșoaiei expanded north to become Calea Victoriei, wealthy families built residences here. These were initially summer homes. As the city expanded, they became part of the urban area. They retained their large gardens and summer residence features. Filip Moxa, Occidentului, Frumoasă and Filipescului were perpendicular streets. The Filipescu properties were located between the last two streets. Filipescului Street became Sevastopol after the Crimean War.
Casa Filipescu-Cesianu’s plot slightly changed during urban planning operations from 1875 to 1909. In 1936, urban planning changed radically. It was decided to preserve the garden. The garden was included in the “Master Plan for Green Spaces.”
The Casa Filipescu-Cesianu building comprises two bodies. They were likely built simultaneously. Some believe that the B body was built first. The entrance is on the west side of the house. It faces the garden. A former warehouse on the opposite side has been modified into a lapidarium.
The Casa Filipescu-Cesianu building and garden suffered over time. This was due to neglect and improper use. Interventions in the 90s and damage from earthquakes also played a part. Bombardments during World War II also took their toll. The heavy traffic on Calea Victoriei also contributed.
European funds were accessed to consolidate and restore the Casa Filipescu-Cesianu. The Municipality of Bucharest worked with the Museum of Bucharest on this project. The goal was to restore the building. They aimed to return a piece of old Bucharest to the city’s residents and visitors.
The Casa Filipescu-Cesianu’s consolidation involved structural work. The interior space was re-partitioned and refunctionalized. The former rooms, basement, and attic became exhibition spaces. The facades and decorative elements were re-analyzed. Original pieces were identified. Missing or damaged decorations were replaced.
The Casa Filipescu-Cesianu regained its identity. It became a visual landmark on Calea Victoriei.
The roof is an imperial roof. It marks the intersection of Sevastopol Street and Calea Victoriei. The corner is highlighted by a turret with a metal spire.
The Casa Filipescu-Cesianu garden was landscaped. The aim was to create an urban foyer. It could concentrate cultural activities. It would also support the promenade on Calea Victoriei. The garden maintains the image of the aristocratic residences from the 17th to 19th centuries. The wooden gazebo is the garden’s main feature.
The Museum of Bucharest continues the story in Casa Filipescu-Cesianu. The exhibition focuses on the family’s history. It also covers childhood and private life in Bucharest over the last 300 years.