The history of the place where the Odeon Theatre now stands begins in the 17th century, when the land was part of the dowry of Maria Văcărescu, the wife of Spătar Dumitrache Ghica. At that time, the area around today’s Calea Victoriei was starting to become attractive for the great boyars of the era, who built here sumptuous residences. The first documentary evidence of a boyar house on this site dates back to 1768, confirming the importance of the property for the elites of the time.

Aristocratic roots and the transformation into a princely court

At the beginning of the 19th century, through inheritance, the land passed to Ban Costache, and a few years later its history took an unexpected turn. In 1813, Prince Ioan Caragea rented the Ghica estate to install here the Princely Court. 

He also added to the complex the Slătineanu house, where the princely council (divan) was held, located on the site of today’s Capșa Hotel and the building at 38 Calea Victoriei. Until 1825, this ensemble functioned as the seat of princely power, including the main residence – the former Ghica house – and the annexes, such as stables situated on the site of the present-day Hotel Majestic.

Thus, before becoming a place dedicated to the arts, the land where the Odeon Theatre stands was the witness of political intrigues and important decisions taken by the country’s rulers.

From the Lahovary estate to the modernization of Calea Victoriei

After 1825, the property lost its political role and returned to civilian use. In 1860, the Ghica houses were bought by Nicolae Lahovary, whose family would retain ownership until the nationalization of 1948. 

In the second half of the 19th century, the modernization of Calea Victoriei radically changed the function of the surrounding buildings. The boyar residence became outdated, and the estate was repurposed: it hosted political clubs, offices of commercial societies, and even famous breweries and taverns.

One notable transformation was the sale or lease of parcels on the northern side, where an important building was erected. In the interwar period, this housed the editorial office of the prestigious newspaper L’Independance Roumaine, where screenings by the Lumière brothers were also held. 

The Orfeu music store, frequented by art lovers and music enthusiasts, was also located there. All these changes paved the way for a major restructuring that would radically transform the image of the site.

The birth of the Comedia Theatre and the rise of the Majestic Hotel

At the beginning of the 20th century, Emil Lahovary decided to give the land a new identity. Architect Grigore Cerchez designed a grand architectural ensemble, consisting of a modern theatre and two side wings. 

The Comedia Theatre, inaugurated on December 25, 1911, was built on the side facing Academiei Street, but its façade looked towards Calea Victoriei.

The ensemble was completed by a northern wing, with shops and apartments, and the Majestic Hotel to the south. The two buildings created elegant passages, adding a cosmopolitan air to central Bucharest. 

Later, the theatre underwent some modifications: the hall was expanded, the stage heightened, and new connecting wings with annexes for the stage were added. Thus, the site consolidated its cultural identity, becoming a landmark for the city’s artistic life.

The trials of war and transformations under communism

World War II brought significant destruction to the theatre and surrounding buildings. The 1945 bombings especially damaged the northern wing, which was only partially rebuilt. 

Until the 1960s, the ensemble maintained a relatively coherent structure, but its functions changed: the former boyar house became the Cartea Rusă (Russian Book) bookstore, while the Majestic Hotel ceased to operate as accommodation.

Things changed in the 1970s, when the communist authorities launched a campaign to rehabilitate historic hotels. The Majestic regained its original function, and in 1974 the Comedia Hall of the National Theatre became the Majestic Hall of the Giulești Theatre. In 1990, the theatre was renamed and became what we now know as the Odeon Theatre.

In the 1980s, to restore the urban front of Calea Victoriei, a new building was erected on the northern side, replacing demolished structures, while a forecourt (alveola) was created in front of the theatre to highlight the façade.

Modern restorations and a century of history

A key moment occurred in 2002, when the Odeon Theatre building underwent extensive renovation. The stage floor was rebuilt, seats were replaced, and the walls were restored to their original beauty by uncovering and reconstructing stucco decorations. 

The technical system of the sliding ceiling—unique in Europe—was repaired, while the staircases, both interior and exterior, were rebuilt with stone imported from Vratza, Bulgaria.

In 2011, the theatre celebrated the centenary of its building, confirming its status as a historic monument and a cultural emblem of Bucharest. In 2017, the exterior was again renovated, with decorative elements faithfully reconstructed according to the 1911 model. Thus, the Odeon Theatre preserves both its historic charm and modern functionality.

Repertoire, artists and international recognition

Today, the Odeon Theatre is a repertory institution subsidized by the Municipality of Bucharest, with a permanent team of more than 35 actors, two directors and a set designer. 

The Majestic Hall, seating 300 people, stands out for its elegance and for being one of the few theatres in Europe equipped with a sliding ceiling—a remarkable technical innovation.

Over the decades, Odeon’s productions have been staged on prestigious international stages. Since the 1970s, the theatre has toured worldwide, from Rome and the USSR to festivals in Italy, the UK, Germany, France, Canada, Egypt and Israel. Renowned directors such as Dinu Cernescu, Alexa Visarion, Alexandru Dabija and Radu Afrim have contributed to its prestige, while productions of Shakespeare, Caragiale, Blaga and contemporary texts have captivated diverse audiences.

The Odeon has stood out for its courage in presenting modern texts, experimental productions and unconventional stagings, being invited to major international theatre festivals in Poland, Spain, Greece, Tunisia and beyond. This openness has earned it recognition as a true ambassador of Romanian theatre.

A temple of the arts in the heart of Bucharest

From boyar residence and princely court to a host of modern performances, the Odeon Theatre has crossed centuries of history, transformations and trials. 

The 1945 bombings, nationalization and the communist era could not alter its cultural destiny. Today, it remains a living institution, staging high-quality productions and offering audiences memorable artistic experiences.

Located on Calea Victoriei, in a historic monument building, the Odeon Theatre is not only a venue for performances but also a space of collective memory. It preserves the echo of past eras and revives them through art, symbolizing continuity and the enduring passion for theatre in Romania.

Thus, the story of the Odeon is not only about walls and stages, but about the spirit of the city, about resilience through culture, and about how art manages to transcend both time and history.

We also recommend: The National Theatre of Bucharest, from its beginnings to the present: a boyar legacy turned into the cultural heart of the Capital