The National Museum of Romanian History (MNIR), located in Bucharest, on Calea Victoriei, was established in 1970 and is housed in an impressive building dating back to the Belle Époque period. The building, constructed between 1894 and 1899, was originally the headquarters of the Central Post Office, and its transformation into a museum was part of a broad effort to preserve and present Romania's national historical heritage. The National Museum of Romanian History thus emerged as the country's first museum of archaeology and history in terms of representativeness.
Today, the MNIR is considered one of the most important museums in the country, being an essential landmark for understanding Romanian history and culture.
One of the most valuable attractions of the National Museum of Romanian History is the Historical Treasure, an extraordinary collection of over 3000 artifacts and jewelry that reflects the richness and cultural diversity of the country. Highlights include the famous Dacian gold bracelets, the Cloșca with the golden chickens, as well as Romania's royal crowns and jewelry. These unique objects illustrate not only the craftsmanship of artisans from different eras, but also crucial moments in national history.
Another highlight of the MNIR is the life-size copy of Trajan's Column. This faithful copy allows visitors to admire in detail the bas-reliefs telling the story of the Dacian wars and the victory of Emperor Trajan over the Dacians. The reproduction of the Column is exhibited in a dedicated space where visitors can better understand the historical and artistic context of this monumental work, which became a symbol of Roman-Dacian relations.
In addition to the permanent collections, the MNIR frequently organizes temporary exhibitions exploring various aspects of history and culture, both national and international. The museum is also an important center for educational activities, offering programs and workshops for schoolchildren, students and the general public, thus helping to promote knowledge and understanding of Romania's past.
Address: Calea Victoriei 12
Price: Tickets can be purchased online from here, ranging from 5.5 RON to 22 RON and valid for 30 days.
Visiting hours (except holidays):
Monday - Tuesday: closed
Wednesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
How to get to MNIR:
- Bus: 104, 205, 385, 381, N110, N115, 123, 100, N102, N108, N113, N117
- Metro: M1, M2, M3 (Unirii Square)
- Tram: 21
- Trolleybus: 66, 61, 69, 70
Also recommended A Guide to Bucharest’s museums: what to visit and when
