Foișorul de Foc, built in 1892, was originally designed as a fire observation tower for monitoring blazes across Bucharest’s historic neighborhoods. Standing 42 meters tall, it was one of the city’s tallest buildings at the time and offered firefighters a panoramic view over the fire-prone wooden districts of the 19th century.
Today, this symbolic structure houses the National Firefighters’ Museum, located at 33 Ferdinand I Boulevard, in Sector 2. Opened in 1963, the museum documents over 150 years of firefighting history, featuring a compact but fascinating collection: horse-drawn fire pumps, vintage protective gear, flags, documents, and historic uniforms.
The visit is structured floor by floor, each level offering a kind of vertical journey through time—from 19th-century firefighting interventions to modern-day equipment. A highlight of the exhibition is the reconstruction of the 1848 Battle of Dealul Spirii, considered a founding moment for the Romanian firefighting corps as a national defense force.
Though modest in size, the museum is intense and rich in historical value. Foișorul de Foc remains a quiet yet significant landmark, where utilitarian architecture meets the bravery and dedication of past generations of rescuers.
Visiting Hours
- Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 16:00
- Saturday & Sunday: Only for organized groups (with booking at least 48 hours in advance)
Entry Fees
- Adults: 10 lei
- Students and pensioners: 5 lei
- Children, preschoolers, persons with mild/moderate disabilities: 2.5 lei
- Guided group tour (min. 6 people): 20 lei/group
- Professional photography/video: 50 lei
Free admission for: Children under 3, persons with severe disabilities, accompanying teachers, firefighters, veterans, and official delegations.
Free access on special days: February 28, May 18 (International Museum Day), June 1, June 26, April 18, September 13 (Firefighters’ Day), and Ascension Day (Heroes' Day).
Photo: ISU & Agerpres
