The George Enescu Museum celebrates 70 years of existence at Cantacuzino Palace

The National “George Enescu” Museum in Bucharest will celebrate 70 years of existence in September 2026. The institution, inaugurated at the beginning of September 1956, is housed in Cantacuzino Palace at 141 Calea Victoriei and preserves the memory of one of Romania’s most important musicians.

The palace was built between 1901 and 1903, based on plans by architect Ion D. Berindei, for Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino, known as the Nabob. The building, designed in the beaux-arts style with rococo and art nouveau influences, is decorated with murals, sculptures and ornamental elements sourced from Parisian residences.

The property came into the ownership of Princess Maria Cantacuzino in 1928. After her marriage to George Enescu, the two lived here for a short period, between 1945 and 1946. The palace witnessed important moments in Romania’s history: in 1913, the Treaty of Bucharest was signed here, and during the Second World War it housed the seat of the Government.

After George Enescu’s death on May 4, 1955, his wife wanted the palace to become a museum dedicated to the artist. The institution was established in 1956, and its first director was Romeo Drăghici, the composer’s friend and testamentary legatee.