Cotroceni Palace

Description:

Cotroceni Palace was intended to represent the main residence of the heirs of the Kingdom of Romania, Ferdinand and Maria. Here, decisive political events for the fate of Romanian were held: The Crown (14/17 August 1916) which ruled Romania's participation in WWI, there, in December 1918, delegates from Transylvania, Bucovina and Basarabia who expressed their adherence to the Union were received, the Peace of Bucharest Buftea-May 1918 was signed, the Crown Council in September 1939 was organized here, Romanian and foreign personalities have been received in this place.

Address: Genius Boulevard  no. 1, Bucharest

Cotroceni Palace was built (1893 - 1895) by the French architect Paul Gottreau. The palace was expanded in the twentieth century but the most important restorations were made in the period 1900 - 1910 and 1915 - 1925, to meet the requirements of Queen Mary, some interiors were changed. Between 1971 - 1986, the palace suffered a massive recovery action when important areas were restored, while other interiors were refurbished in the spirit of European princely residences in the nineteenth century. The result was the stylistic diversity of interior decoration.

The Palace unveils its elegance since its entry. Monumental staircases, surrounded by large galleries in the French Neo-Baroque, recall the Paris Grand Opera, who served as flagship model. The most representatives  spaces: Hall of Fame, Grand Salon Reception,  Henry II, Luis XV, Luis XVI, Rococo, Empire, Biedermeier, Art Nouveau. We can also mention: the kitchen, refectory, cells, cellar houses royal (XVII century), church door frame. The prince residence is visible from the original Cotroceni: furniture belonging to the royal family, interior textiles, and paintings.

After 1977, the palace was used by former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu as a guest house. Since 1991, the building has became the official residence of the President of Romania. All this time, Cotroceni National Museum was opened to the public.