University Palace of Bucharest
About University Palace of Bucharest
The University Palace stands in University Square, in the centre of Bucharest, and is the main building of the largest university in the country. Construction began in October 1857, to plans by the architect Alexandru Orăscu, on the site of the former Saint Sava College, and the palace was inaugurated on 14 December 1869. The side wings were added between 1912 and 1926, to plans by Nicolae Ghica-Budești. Today the building covers more than 45,000 square metres and houses faculties of the University of Bucharest.
The style is neoclassical: a rusticated ground floor with arched windows, pilasters on the lower floors, a mansard storey with dormers and rounded corners clad in columns and topped with domes. The central pediment, with the bas-relief "Minerva Protecting the Arts and Sciences" by Karl Storck, was destroyed in the bombing of 4 April 1944. The four Muses on the façade, the work of the sculptor Emil Wilhelm Becker, were added in 1929. In August 2026 the bronze eagle and two griffins that crowned the pediment were put back in place, the first step in rebuilding it.
The square in front of the palace gave its name to the "University Square Phenomenon", the anti-communist movement of April–June 1990, and the building keeps traces of the events of December 1989.
What you can see
The palace is best seen from the square, beside the statue of Michael the Brave: a columned portico, a pediment with the inscription "UNIVERSITATEA" and long wings with domes. Closer to the building, the four Muses stand out on the façade and, on the rear façade, a second pediment with a sculptural group. The square gathers the statues of Michael the Brave, Gheorghe Lazăr, Ion Heliade Rădulescu and Spiru Haret, the fountain and, across the road, the National Theatre; a few hundred metres away is the Russian Church, and ~500 m away the Central University Library.
Good to know
The palace houses faculties, not a museum: it is seen from the outside, and the interior is not normally visited. Consolidation and restoration works, begun in 2023, are continuing; the History Faculty wing was inaugurated on 1 October 2026, and in places the façades may be covered in scaffolding. A free virtual tour of the palace is on the university's website.
Information verified on 26 October 2026.
- The neoclassical façade on University Square, with a columned portico and a pediment bearing the inscription "UNIVERSITATEA".
- The bronze eagle and two griffins, put back on the pediment in 2026 after the originals were destroyed in 1944.
- The four Muses on the façade, sculpted by Emil Wilhelm Becker in 1929.
- The second pediment, with a sculptural group, on the rear façade.
- The square with the statues of Michael the Brave, Gheorghe Lazăr, Ion Heliade Rădulescu and Spiru Haret, a few steps from the National Theatre and the Russian Church.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the palace is in central Bucharest, in University Square, between Regina Elisabeta and Nicolae Bălcescu boulevards. Traffic is heavy and parking spaces are few.
Public transport: the Universitate metro station (M2) is right in the square; STB surface lines also pass nearby.
- Where to park
The palace has no visitor car park. Around it you park on the streets, paid, and the spaces fill up quickly. The metro is more convenient.
- Fees & discounts
The exterior can be seen free of charge, from public space.
- Rules
The building houses faculties: access to the interior is for students and staff. The exterior can be seen and photographed from University Square.
- Facilities
free virtual tour on the university's website · metro station in the square
Frequently asked questions about University Palace of Bucharest
- How much is a ticket to University Palace of Bucharest?
- Admission to University Palace of Bucharest is free (the exterior is seen from the square). The exterior can be seen free of charge, from public space.
- What are the opening hours of University Palace of Bucharest?
- Opening hours at University Palace of Bucharest: daily open 24 hours. The façades can be seen at any time from University Square. The interior belongs to the faculties and has no visiting hours for the public.
- How long does a visit to University Palace of Bucharest take?
- A visit to University Palace of Bucharest takes about 20 min (the exterior and the square).
- Can you visit University Palace of Bucharest with kids?
- Yes, University Palace of Bucharest is suitable for children (seen from the square, no ticket).
- Where can I park at University Palace of Bucharest?
- There is paid parking at University Palace of Bucharest (on the street, in the centre). The palace has no visitor car park. Around it you park on the streets, paid, and the spaces fill up quickly. The metro is more convenient.
- How do I get to University Palace of Bucharest?
- University Palace of Bucharest is located at Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta 4–12, sector 3, București. By car: the palace is in central Bucharest, in University Square, between Regina Elisabeta and Nicolae Bălcescu boulevards. Traffic is heavy and parking spaces are few. Public transport: the Universitate metro station (M2) is right in the square; STB surface lines also pass nearby.
- When is the best time to visit University Palace of Bucharest?
- The best season for University Palace of Bucharest: All year round (all year, from the outside).
Reviews
Other attractions nearby
The closest attractions to University Palace of Bucharest, sorted by distance.
0 km from University Palace of Bucharest
0 km from University Palace of Bucharest
0 km from University Palace of Bucharest
