Muzeul Băncii Naționale

The National Bank of Romania Museum is housed in the old BNR palace in the Lipscani area, one of the most imposing buildings in the historic centre. Built in the late 19th century, between 1884 and 1890, to the designs of the French architects Cassien Bernard and Albert Galleron, the central bank's old palace is a remarkable example of classically inspired eclectic architecture, with sumptuous interiors, marble, allegorical paintings and a treasury hall that impresses through sheer scale and detail. Galleron also designed the Romanian Athenaeum, which says much about the ambition of the project.

The museum tells the story of money and of central banking in Romania: old coins, banknotes, instruments, documents and objects tied to the country's financial history, from the first lei to the great crises and monetary reforms. Beyond the seemingly dry subject, the visit becomes fascinating precisely through the contrast between the concrete theme, money, and the splendour of the building devoted to it, designed to convey solidity and trust.

Good to know

• Access is usually by appointment and with a security check; check the official website for current conditions and any days with guided tours.
• It sits in the heart of the Old Town, near other attractions and the local metro station around Universitate or Piața Unirii.
• Bring photo ID, as this is a financial institution with strict access rules.

For anyone who appreciates period architecture and history, the BNR palace is one of the most elegant visits in old Bucharest, a building worth seeing both for its story and for its interiors.