Muzeul Național de Artă al României

The National Museum of Art of Romania occupies the former Royal Palace on Revolution Square, in the heart of Bucharest, and is the country most important art collection. It is organised into three major galleries: the Old Romanian Art Gallery, with icons, silverware and church fragments; the Modern Romanian Art Gallery, gathering masterpieces by the great national painters and sculptors, from Grigorescu and Aman to Luchian, Tonitza and Brâncuși; and the European Art Gallery, with works by El Greco, Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet and many others, largely from the royal collections. The building itself, witness to Romania recent history, adds solemnity to the visit.

The museum also hosts major temporary exhibitions. It is an essential stop for art lovers and a natural starting point for discovering the historic centre. Allow at least two hours and check the schedule, which may differ by gallery and on public holidays.