If you love traditions and country life, or if you want to learn more about Romania's rural past, then you should not miss the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum in Bucharest

The Village Museum is a fascinating place celebrating Romanian traditions and culture. Situated in the heart of Bucharest, this open-air museum offers a captivating insight into traditional rural life in different regions of the country. With authentic houses and buildings brought from various villages, visitors can experience the authentic atmosphere of traditional Romanian life.

The Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum is the second largest open-air ethnographic museum in the world after the one in Stockholm.

The Village Museum - History 

The Village Museum in Bucharest was founded in 1936 by the sociologist Dimitrie Gusti, one of the most important researchers and promoters of Romanian culture, being inaugurated on May 10 of the same year, in the presence of King Carol II. Initially conceived as part of the Sociological School in Bucharest, the museum's main aim was to study and preserve Romania's rural traditions and customs.

Dimitrie Gusti was inspired by the concept of the 'open-air museum' that he encountered in other European countries and decided to create such a museum in Romania in order to present and preserve the country's rich cultural heritage. Thus, the Village Museum was established, which was to become an emblematic place for the promotion and preservation of Romanian traditional culture.

Initially, the museum was located in the Carol Park in Bucharest, where several traditional buildings from different regions of the country were brought. Later, in 1963, the museum moved to its current location on a larger area near Herăstrău Park in Bucharest.

Over the years, the Village Museum has grown and developed, adding new buildings and exhibits to reflect Romania's cultural diversity. The oldest house was built in the 17th century, and the most recent belongs to the 20th century. 

Over the years, the museum has gone through countless challenges. During the Second World War it was damaged by the presence of refugees from Bessarabia, and in 1997 and 2002 it was damaged by two fires. Fortunately, it was not only restored, but has continued to expand its exhibits, with the most recent wing of the museum opening in 2016.

Village Museum - What to see

The Dimitrie Guști National Village Museum covers 30 hectares and includes over 70 houses, 99 outbuildings and churches. Each building is a museum in miniature, equipped with traditional objects such as traditional wipes and pots, water and windmills and oil presses.

Each house or building in the museum has a story of its own, reflecting the traditions, customs and architecture specific to the area of origin. From traditional wooden houses with thatched roofs to centuries-old wooden churches, the museum offers an exciting glimpse into Romania's rich cultural heritage.

Ten households were brought from Moldova, including the house in Straja, dating from 1760. You're sure to be charmed by the 1898 Lipovenetian household and the cherhanaua, both from Jurilovca. The folk architecture of Muntenia is illustrated, among others, by the beautiful Chiojdu farmhouse, built of boulders and with a gazebo with carved pillars.

From Oltenia, the villages of Drăghiceni and Castranova were brought from the region, representing archaic dwellings. Also brought from Transylvania is the house from Sălciua, Tara Moților, distinguished by its enormous thatched roof. Visitors can also admire the windmill from Dobrogea or the pottery workshop in Horezu.

After strolling through the museum's alleyways, you can rest or read a book in the shade on rustic wooden benches.

Today, the museum attracts thousands of visitors every year, offering them a fascinating insight into Romanian history, traditions and customs. It is a place of learning and wonder, where visitors can experience the authentic atmosphere of traditional Romanian rural life.

In addition to the buildings, the museum also hosts workshops and fairs of folk craftsmen, where visitors can admire and even purchase traditional handicrafts such as fabrics, pottery or wood carvings, but also icons, jewelry, masks, soaps and even foods such as zacuscă, honey, jam, jam, syrups, jam, bread, etc.

The museum also hosts a variety of workshops with many interesting activities for adults and children alike.

Through these educational programs and cultural events organized within the museum, the rich cultural heritage of the country is promoted and preserved. It is a must for those who wish to discover the beauty and authenticity of Romanian culture.

Village Museum - Contact Information: 

Address:  Kiseleff, 28-30, Bucharest 

The price of a ticket is 30 lei for adults, 15 lei for pensioners and 8 lei for pupils and students.