National Military Circle Palace
About National Military Circle Palace
The National Military Circle Palace (Palatul Cercului Militar Național) stands in central Bucharest, between Calea Victoriei and Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta, by Piața Drapelului. It was designed by the architect Dimitrie Maimarolu, who won the 1899 competition, and the interior decoration was overseen by Ernest Doneaud. The building occupies the site of the former Sărindar Monastery, founded by Matei Basarab in 1652 and demolished at the end of the 19th century; the small fountain in front of the palace keeps its name.
Excavation for the foundations began in 1911, on oak piles because of the marshy ground. The First World War interrupted the work: in 1916 the city was occupied and the interiors were damaged. The palace was inaugurated on 4 February 1923, in the presence of King Ferdinand and Queen Marie. Today it is the seat of the National Military Circle, a cultural institution of the Ministry of National Defence, and the building is a listed historic monument (LMI code B-II-m-A-19201).
What you can see
The main façade, in French academic style, has an upper-storey colonnade of Corinthian columns above an arcaded ground floor, with rounded towers at the ends, decorated with sculpture. The name of the institution is written on the frieze above the columns. From Piața Drapelului two flights of steps rise towards the entrance, with the Sărindar Fountain, named after the vanished monastery, running between them.
The interior has 23 halls on Romanian themes. The marble Grand Staircase leads to the reception rooms: the Marble Hall, with Corinthian columns and caryatids, the Moorish Hall, with a gilded coffered ceiling, the Byzantine Hall, with historical frescoes, the Gothic Hall, and the Norwegian Hall, with chandeliers shaped like Viking ships.
Good to know
The palace is the seat of a working institution and has no regular public opening hours. The exterior can be seen at any time from the square; the interior can be seen at the exhibitions in the Rotunda Hall, the Foyer Hall and the Arts Gallery, at cultural events held in the palace, and on visits occasionally organised by cultural associations, usually by ticket.
Information verified on 26 October 2026.
- The colonnade of Corinthian columns on the main façade, with the name of the institution on the frieze above.
- The Sărindar Fountain and the two flights of steps in front of the entrance, on the site of the old monastery.
- The rounded towers at the ends of the façade, decorated with sculpture.
- The Grand Staircase and the Marble Hall, with Corinthian columns and caryatids, when the palace opens to the public for events.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the palace is in central Bucharest, between Calea Victoriei and Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta, by Piața Drapelului. The area is busy, with few parking spaces.
Public transport: the nearest metro station is Universitate (M2), about a 10-minute walk away.
- Where to park
The palace has no visitor car park. Around it you park on the streets, for a fee, and spaces are few; public transport is more convenient.
- Fees & discounts
The exterior can be seen free of charge from the street. Entry to the interior depends on the event or exhibition you attend.
- Rules
The palace is the seat of a working institution: the interior can be visited only at events and exhibitions open to the public, while the exterior can be photographed from the square.
Frequently asked questions about National Military Circle Palace
- How much is a ticket to National Military Circle Palace?
- Admission to National Military Circle Palace is free (the exterior can be seen from the street). The exterior can be seen free of charge from the street. Entry to the interior depends on the event or exhibition you attend.
- What are the opening hours of National Military Circle Palace?
- Opening hours at National Military Circle Palace: daily open 24 hours. The exterior can be seen at any time from Piața Drapelului. The interior can be seen at the exhibitions and events held in the palace, announced on cmn.ro.
- How long does a visit to National Military Circle Palace take?
- A visit to National Military Circle Palace takes about 20 min (exterior only).
- Can you visit National Military Circle Palace with kids?
- Yes, National Military Circle Palace is suitable for children (just a stop in the square).
- Where can I park at National Military Circle Palace?
- There is paid parking at National Military Circle Palace (on the street, in the centre). The palace has no visitor car park. Around it you park on the streets, for a fee, and spaces are few; public transport is more convenient.
- How do I get to National Military Circle Palace?
- National Military Circle Palace is located at Strada Constantin Mille 1-3, sector 1, București. By car: the palace is in central Bucharest, between Calea Victoriei and Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta, by Piața Drapelului. The area is busy, with few parking spaces. Public transport: the nearest metro station is Universitate (M2), about a 10-minute walk away.
- When is the best time to visit National Military Circle Palace?
- The best season for National Military Circle Palace: All year round (the exterior can be seen all year).
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