The Romanian Atheneum, an emblematic cultural site inscribed in the European heritage On the occasion of the awarding of the European Heritage Label to the Romanian Athenaeum in 2024, the Romanian Cultural Institute of Paris, in partnership with the Romanian Embassy in France and the Philharmonie «George Enescu», organized the open-air exhibition «The Romanian Athenaeum, a European history» on the exterior walls of the Hôtel de Béhague, Residence of Romania in France | 22-24 avenue Bosquet, 75007 Paris. The Romanian Athenaeum is a major cultural symbol, a true tribute to national identity and the modernization of Romania at the end of the 19th century. Through the overall photographs of the building and the interior decorative elements, you will discover the richness of this architectural heritage and the strength of the cultural ties between Romania and France. Driven by a firm determination, the diplomat and politician Constantin Esarcu has devoted all his efforts to finding a lasting solution to build a seat worthy of the Athenaeum. In 1885, to raise the necessary funds, a public lottery was set up. On 30 November, at a ball held at the National Theatre, the winning ticket was drawn from among the 12,300 tickets issued, each at the symbolic price of one leu (Romanian currency). It is in this context that the famous motto was launched: "Give a leu for the Athénée!" A true temple of classical music in Romania, the Athenaeum, located in the center of Bucharest, on the prestigious Calea Victoriei, was inaugurated in 1888 and completed in 1897. A splendid example of eclectic architecture, harmoniously blending neoclassical style with baroque elements, it is the work of French architect Albert Galeron and Romanian architects Ion Băicoianu and Leonida Negoescu, as well as engineer Schwalbach, who designed the structure. The ornamentation of the backstage of the concert hall was entrusted to the Italian architect Lerdel. The large mural is the work of the painter Costin Petrescu, while the sculptor Carol Storck has shaped the stone stairs. The monumental bronze doors, designed by Galeron, were created by Giorgio Vasilescu. Finally, the elegant stucco decorations imitating marble were created by Franz Bohacker, then by the brothers Axerio. The Athenaeum is distinguished by its perfectly symmetrical massing, also reflected in the orderly distribution of interior spaces. Its main facade impresses with a colossal portico composed of eight Ionic columns, and eight committed columns with Doric-Tuscan capitals surmounted by a monumental pediment framing the main entrance. Unlike the sober exterior, clad in white stone and simple plaster, the interiors are distinguished by a decoration and a chromatic palette of great richness, subtly hierarchized according to the function and importance of each space. On 17 April 2024, during a ceremony held in Antwerp, the European Commission awarded the Romanian Athenaeum with the European Heritage Label, in recognition of its significant role in the history and culture of Europe. The Romanian Atheneum, owned by the Romanian state and home to the George Enescu Philharmonic, is a cultural and architectural treasure that combines beauty, history and social commitment in a dynamic, constantly evolving process. Informations On the exterior walls of the Hôtel de Béhague, Residence of Romania in France 22-24 avenue Bosquet, 75007 Paris

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