On Lipscani Street, at number 55, stands a space impossible to overlook once you step into Bucharest’s old town: Cărturești Carusel. In the ten years since its opening, this bookstore has become much more than a retail space – it is a genuine cultural center, an experiment in “cultural habitation” within the very heart of the city. Spanning six floors and covering approximately 1,000 square meters, it is a true haven for readers, art enthusiasts, and anyone wishing to feel the cultural pulse of Bucharest.

A building with a rich past: from Chrissoveloni Palace to bookstore

The building that now houses Cărturești Carusel dates back to the 19th century. The Greek-Romanian banking family Chrissoveloni acquired the property in 1903, transforming it into an elegant financial headquarters that became part of the Chrissoveloni Palace. 

During the communist period, the building was confiscated and turned into the “Familia” department store. After 1990, the property – by then severely degraded – was recovered and restored by Jean Chrissoveloni, heir of the family. The final renovation, signed by the architecture studio Square One, was completed in 2015, when the space was reborn as a bookstore.

The renovation preserved the neoclassical elegance of the façade and the historical interior details while introducing contemporary architectural elements in a transparent dialogue between past and present.

Interior design: a carousel of light and culture

The interior design concept was built around the idea of “communication between old and new.” The architects chose a contemporary visual language, minimizing the use of color to emphasize the play of light and shadow created by the central skylight. 

The sinuous, airy shape of the mezzanine floors generates a sense of movement reminiscent of a carousel – a fitting metaphor for the six-level structure.

Inside, the bookstore impresses through its arched balconies, spiral staircase, and Byzantine-inspired stuccoes, all of which contribute to an atmosphere that is both bright and refined. 

The basement hosts a multimedia space, the first floor houses a contemporary art gallery, and the top floor features a bistro and tea room with a panoramic view of the central atrium.

A bookstore that breathes community

Cărturești Carusel is far more than a place where books are sold – it is a living cultural hub. With over 10,000 books and 5,000 albums and DVDs, the bookstore also serves as a venue for exhibitions, book launches, public readings, concerts, and themed events. 

The predominantly white interior, bathed in natural light, creates a serene and contemporary atmosphere that maintains the authenticity of the historic building.

The bistro on the upper floor, overlooking the bookstore’s luminous atrium, offers visitors a peaceful break after browsing the shelves – a space where culture and relaxation intertwine harmoniously.

Cultural impact and international recognition

Since its official opening in 2015, Cărturești Carusel has rapidly become a cultural landmark of Bucharest. Beyond its impressive collection of books, the space has drawn international attention for its architectural quality, its welcoming atmosphere, and its mission to reinterpret heritage architecture as a space for culture.

In a capital city where the old town is constantly transforming, the bookstore has become a symbol of how urban spaces can be revitalized through art and community engagement. By restoring life to a historical building, Cărturești Carusel demonstrates that culture can be both accessible and inspiring in the very center of the city.

Vision and legacy: a bridge between history and modernity

What makes Cărturești Carusel truly unique is its combination of architectural heritage and contemporary function. During the restoration process, archaeologists discovered a Byzantine-era vessel in the foundation of the building, as well as an ancient construction document equivalent to a modern building permit. These findings emphasize the historical depth of the site and strengthen the link between its past and present.

By transforming a former 19th-century private banking house into a public cultural space, the project conveys an important message: education, reading, and art are not luxuries but vital parts of daily urban life. The bookstore thus embodies the transition from a world of commerce to one of creativity and learning.

A jewel of the old town

Cărturești Carusel stands today as one of the most remarkable examples of urban cultural revitalization in Bucharest. Through its elegant architecture, vast selection of books and cultural products, and vibrant community events, the bookstore has earned its reputation as “the jewel of the old town.”

For readers, art lovers, and even casual visitors, it offers more than just books – it offers an experience. In an era when retail is becoming increasingly digital and physical spaces are being redefined, Cărturești Carusel proves that tangible, thoughtfully designed places still matter deeply.

Thus, on Lipscani Street, number 55, in the very heart of old Bucharest, this bookstore does more than sell stories – it creates memories, inspires imagination, and brings people together in a space where culture lives and breathes every single day.

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