“Cyclops” screams a faded sign. Here, we find the Cyclops Garage, a historical monument. It was built in 1930. The Cyclops Garage was Bucharest’s first multi-story garage. But there is more to this place than just parking.
Magheru Boulevard used to be a modern boulevard. It was designed to handle massive traffic. The boulevard became a fancy place between the world wars. Locals enjoyed a modern cinema and a swimming pool. They also had the Cyclops Garage to park their automobiles. Today, all are closed to the public. The Cyclops Garage is a treasure many have forgotten.
The Cyclops Garage has a wonderful atrium. It lets natural light illuminate the abandoned space. For a season, it hosted an art festival in 2015. The building’s structure has seismic risk. This led to its closure. It is now a locked ruin.
Look closely at the facade. You will notice missing letters from its name. The six-story building welcomes no one inside. Millions of cars pass it every day. Few know its secrets.
Dumitru Marinescu Bragadiru was the mastermind behind the Cyclops Garage. He was the second wealthiest man in Romania. He made his fortune selling alcohol to soldiers. He later started a beer factory. Bragadiru’s entrepreneurial spirit is worth remembering.
Back in 1928, the Cyclops Garage was unique. It was the first building in Europe with an antiseismic system on rollers. This system ensured its robustness. It sits on well-prepared ground even now.
Initially, the Cyclops Garage had five levels. The basement had parking and technical spaces. The ground floor featured a large car workshop and commercial spaces. The upper floors were for parking and technical facilities. In 1938, a café was added. Customers could watch the car workshops from there. Two more floors were added in 1940. These were intended as office spaces.
In 1950, the Cyclops Garage was nationalized. It continued to house restaurants and cafes. It remained essential for drivers and taxi drivers. In 2001, the garage was partially returned to Bragadiru’s heirs. Full restitution occurred in 2015. The heirs have been trying to sell the building.
Selling the Cyclops Garage is not easy. It is a historical monument. Any renovation must respect its original architectural style. This requires special permission from the Ministry of Culture. The Cyclops Garage stands as a testament to Bucharest’s architectural heritage. It awaits a new chapter in its storied existence.