Bucharest has, for the first time, a cultural district that brings together three of the major museums of the Capital. The „Museum Triangle” includes the National Museum of Natural History „Grigore Antipa,” the National Geological Museum, and the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant, all located in the same area, on Kiseleff Boulevard.
The project was launched by the City Hall of Bucharest and Sector 1 City Hall and will kick off with a weekend of events for children and families on September 19 and 20. Visitors will be able to discover Romania’s identity from three perspectives: Earth, Nature, and People.
The space between museums becomes a cultural promenade
Over the two days, the area between the three institutions will become an extension of the museums. The program includes 18 creative and interactive workshops, meetings with researchers and museum curators, musical activities, creative recycling, concerts, a film screening, and a treasure hunt.
"Bucharest has and must take advantage of this: three important museums located in the same area. We want to make this area attractive, to enhance all three museums through a common public space, through urban and landscape regeneration," stated Mayor Ciprian Ciucu.
The first edition of the "Museum Triangle" is dedicated to Dobrogea, a region chosen for its strong connection between geology, biodiversity, and cultural diversity.
Visitors will be able to discover its story starting from the oldest geological formations in Romania, the Black Sea and the Danube Delta, and up to the traditions of Romanian, Lipovan, Turkish, Tatar, Greek, Aromanian, and Bulgarian communities.
Pilot project for a new cultural district
The initiative is not only designed as a two-day event but as the starting point for the development of a permanent cultural district in the Kiseleff area. "It is a pilot project, designed for a new cultural district of Bucharest, where heritage, education, and public space meet and create a common cultural experience," explained architect Teodor Frolu, co-founder of the Ivan Patzaichin–Mila 23 Association and author of the curatorial concept.
Authorities aim to revamp and better connect the public spaces around the museums through urban and landscape regeneration projects. The City Hall of Bucharest, Sector 1 City Hall, and the Ministry of Culture will collaborate on these efforts.
Antipa will be expanded, Villa Samurcaș will be restored
Along with the launch of the project, two investments have been announced: the construction of a new building for the Antipa Museum and the consolidation and restoration of Villa Samurcaș, which belongs to the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant.
Funding will be provided through the "Cultural Foundations" project, based on the loan agreement concluded between Romania and the Council of Europe Development Bank.
Prior to this, the restoration and rehabilitation works carried out at the two institutions have exceeded seven million euros, excluding VAT, according to the Ministry of Culture.
The complete program of events on September 19 and 20 can be viewed online.