A jewel of elegant sobriety awaits. That’s Gheorghe Lazăr National College. It stands proudly near Cișmigiu Gardens. This high school is more than just a place of learning. It is a cornerstone of Bucharest’s educational history.
Founded in 1860 by Alexandru Ioan Cuza, Gheorghe Lazăr National College is the second oldest high school in Bucharest. Cuza named it after Gheorghe Lazăr. He saw Lazăr as the refounder of the nation’s schools.
The building itself is an architectural marvel. F. G. Muntureanu designed it. He was an architect who had studied in England. The design blends Brâncovenesc and neoclassical English styles. Some say it resembles Parisian high schools near the Jardin du Luxembourg.
In 1890, the college moved to this location near the Cișmigiu Gardens. King Carol I signed the decree for its establishment.
The Gheorghe Lazăr National College faced challenges during the Stalinist era. It was renamed Middle School No. 22. It shared its building with a girls’ school. In 1949, it was moved to the former Spiru Haret High School. Mechanic Gheorghe Dinu bravely saved the school’s Book of Honor. He hid it in the attic. In 1955, the ministry allowed the school to reclaim its name and location. It became a mixed school again.
In 1931, a new wing was added. This addition included new laboratories an elegant amphitheater and a semi-basement buffet.
The 1990s brought significant improvements. Principal Nicolae Novac oversaw the strengthening of the school’s building. In 1992, Gheorghe Lazăr National College affiliated with UNESCO. A twinning program with the French high school “Jean Monnet” in Joué-lès-Tours was initiated. Professor Roxana Veleanovici consolidated this partnership in 1991. In 1995, the high school earned the title of National College.
The high school’s motto has evolved. Currently it is “Pentru unii un liceu, pentru noi un mod de viață.” This means “For some a high school, for us a way of life.” Previously, the motto was “Acest liceu este făcut pentru învingătorii vieții” which translates to “This high school is made for life’s victors.” The student council’s motto is “Chaque enfant qu’on enseigne est un homme qu’on gagne” meaning “Every child we teach is a person we win”.
The college has a rich history of anthems. The old anthem debuted in 1892 during the first celebration of Gheorghe Lazăr’s commemoration. V. I. Păun wrote the text and G. Brătianu composed the song. In 1910, a new version was performed by the high school orchestra and choir. Master Ion Costescu conducted it.
Gheorghe Lazăr National College has produced many notable alumni. These include Ion Andreescu, George Călinescu and Dinu Lipatti.
Today, Gheorghe Lazăr National College continues to be a prestigious institution. It upholds its legacy of excellence in education. Its walls echo with the stories of generations of students and faculty. They shape the future of Romania.