George Topîrceanu Memorial House
About George Topîrceanu Memorial House
George Topîrceanu (1886–1937) came to Iași in 1911, called by Garabet Ibrăileanu as a sub-editor of the magazine “Viața românească”. From 1932 until the end of his life he rented a room in the house on Strada Ralet. Here he wrote “Pirin-Planina. Tragic and comic episodes from captivity” and worked on the unfinished satirical novel “Minunile Sfântului Sisoe”. In 1919 the same house held the editorial office and administration of the magazine “Însemnări literare”, whose team included Mihail Sadoveanu, Garabet Ibrăileanu, George Topîrceanu and Demostene Botez.
The house, built at the end of the 19th century, was a private home until 1983. After renovation the memorial museum was inaugurated on 22 June 1985; it belongs to the National Museum of Romanian Literature in Iași.
What you can see
The memorial room is dominated by the writing desk, reconstructed by the museum, with the pen, pen holder, inkwell, blotter and a painted wooden pencil box. Around it are the poet's belongings: a barometer, gramophone records, cameras and glass negatives he took himself, a miniature sphinx and pyramid, a candlestick, pipes and a coffee service.
The exhibition also includes manuscripts, books with dedications, photographs, magazines and a caricature of the poet made by the film director Ion Sava. On the façade is a commemorative plaque with Topîrceanu's portrait.
Good to know
The house is small and the visit is short.
- The reconstructed writing desk, with the poet's pen, inkwell and blotter.
- The cameras and glass negatives made by Topîrceanu himself.
- The caricature of the poet by the film director Ion Sava.
- The manuscripts, inscribed books and magazines in the permanent exhibition.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the house is on Strada Dimitrie Ralet, in the Copou district, ~1.7 km (~3 minutes) from Union Square (Piața Unirii). Bucharest is ~430 km away (~5 hours 20 minutes), Bacău ~130 km (~2 hours 15 minutes), Suceava ~145 km (~2 hours 45 minutes).
On foot: it is ~1.1 km (~15 minutes) from Union Square, ~1.6 km (~20 minutes) from Iași railway station and ~500 m (~6 minutes) from Ion Creangă's Bojdeuca.
- Fees & discounts
Full ticket 11 lei; groups of more than 9 people 8 lei per person; pensioners 6 lei; pupils and students 2 lei. Free for pre-school children, people with disabilities and their companions, and ICOM card holders, and everyone gets in free on 1 December. The “Literary Routes” combined ticket (32 lei, valid for two calendar days) also covers other museums of the network. Guided tour: 20 lei per person in Romanian, 60 lei in a foreign language (English, French, Italian), by appointment. Personal photography inside: 30 lei per hour.
- Rules
Photography inside is charged separately, and filming has its own fee. As in any memorial house with original objects, exhibits must not be touched; follow the staff's instructions. Guided tours in a foreign language must be booked in advance.
Frequently asked questions about George Topîrceanu Memorial House
How much is a ticket to George Topîrceanu Memorial House?
A ticket to George Topîrceanu Memorial House costs 11 lei (students 2 lei, pensioners 6 lei). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of George Topîrceanu Memorial House?
Opening hours at George Topîrceanu Memorial House: Monday closed, Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 – 17:00. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to George Topîrceanu Memorial House take?
A visit to George Topîrceanu Memorial House takes about 30 min (small house, one room).
Can you visit George Topîrceanu Memorial House with kids?
Yes, George Topîrceanu Memorial House is suitable for children (small house, short visit).
How do I get to George Topîrceanu Memorial House?
George Topîrceanu Memorial House is located at Strada Dimitrie Ralet 7, Iași, Iași County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit George Topîrceanu Memorial House?
The best season for George Topîrceanu Memorial House: All year round (open all year).
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