Brancusi’s Homeland Highlights – A Private Tour From Bucharest

Constantin Brancusi was an impoverished Romanian peasant widely considered the father of modern sculpture. Distinguished for his direct carving style and its inherently pure nature, his works became timeless classics.

His sculpture was inspired by traditional Romanian carvings such as mantlepieces and saltcellars, while he is best-known for the massive Parliament building which is featured prominently on all Bucharest guided tours.

Stavropoleos Church

Lipscani neighborhood of Bucharest hosts Bucharest’s historic Stavropoleos Church (Romanian: Biserica Stavropoleos), once an 18th-century monastery. Today, this beautiful church of Archangel Michael and Gabriel attracts many visitors with its striking stone columns and pedestals decorated with plant motifs.

Brancusi placed great significance on both the quality of materials he employed and their symbolic meanings, which this exhibition explores through sculptures, sketches and film documentation of his studio. Discover his profound thinking that went into each piece – drawn inspiration from masters such as Rodin and Rosso before creating his own artistic vision – imbuing each work with energy that made them seem alive!

The Historical Center

Herastrau Park offers visitors an open-air museum called Dimitrie Gusti Village that was established during the mid-1930s. This open-air museum provides visitors with an insight into Romanian traditional ways of life from various periods, featuring peasant houses, barns, churches, cabins and mills that were transported across Romania before being rebuilt on this site.

University Circle (Piata Universitatii) lies at the heart of Bucharest and features amazing architecture including notable structures like Bucharest School of Architecture, National Theatre and Coltea Hospital with its beautiful church (1702 – 1794).

As you make your way along Bulevardul Balcescu, you’ll encounter sidewalk book and flower vendors as you make your way toward Piata Universitatii where various art galleries can be found.

Cismigiu Park

Cismigiu Park, situated at the center of Bucharest, is one of its most beloved gardens and an oasis for locals to relax. Take in beautiful flower displays or admire a sculpture garden while boating across its lake.

Discover what life was like during communist rule by paying a visit to The Palace of Parliament, more commonly referred to as People’s House. Witness its impressive size while standing before one of the second largest administrative buildings worldwide and witness first-hand what pointless excess can do to a nation.

Experience all that the city has to offer, such as Calea Victoriei Street. Additionally, head over to Romanian Athenaeum where some of the finest artwork is housed.

The Arch of Triumph

Location: North Bucharest The Arch of Triumph has undergone multiple incarnations along Kiseleff Road since its initial wooden construction to celebrate Romania’s victory during the War for Independence (1878), as well as to mark King Carol I’s 40th kingship anniversary (1906). A temporary structure was later constructed after World War I.

Arch of Triumph was completed in 1936 as an official installation and serves as the main stage for military parades on December 1st for Romanian National Day. The exhibition “Brancusi: Sublimation of Form” displays how Brancusi’s works didn’t aim to depict but rather capture phenomena as an integral whole – such as his sculpture of Margit Pogany, his lover, which wasn’t an exact representation of her appearance.

The Triumphal Arc

Triumphal arches typically serve to commemorate major military victories. This one, built to recognize Romania’s victory in WWI and to symbolize Greater Romania as a united country, was initially built from wood before transitioning to concrete when Romania had recovered from it and become an established part of Greater Romania as an entity. Today it remains an integral feature in its city center.

Discover this iconic landmark that remains at the core of Romanian national pride today. Learn how Brancusi transformed this traditional form by moving away from academic approaches to sculpture and pioneering direct carving without casts; drawing upon inspiration from different cultures around him while understanding art as universal forms.

Palace of Parliament

Discover one of Europe’s grandest buildings, the Palace of Parliament, built during Nicolae Ceausescu’s wildest dreams of communist dictatorship. Use your fast-access ticket and meet an official guide who will show you around its luxurious interiors while providing insight into Romanian politics past and present.

Tour the grand halls and be amazed at their luxurious decorations. Marvel at the massive carpet that has been hand woven directly inside its room – too big to transport elsewhere! Finally, admire Dictator’s Balcony on the second level for breathtaking views over Fountains Avenue.

Visit the Village Museum afterwards for an insight into rural Romania during Brancusi’s time.

The Romanian Athenaeum

Athenaeum of Bucharest is one of Bucharest’s must-see attractions, featuring Romanian arts and sciences as a temple designed by Albert Galleron as part of public subscription funding under a popular slogan: “Give one leu for Athenaeum!”

Athenaeum served its purpose well during its existence: major cultural figures and scholars gave lectures here, Romanian musical literature masterpieces were given their first audition here and exhibitions of paintings and sculpture by masters of Romanian plastic arts were hosted here.

Today, the Athenaeum stands as a glowing icon of cultural heritage and national pride. Let its splendor reveal itself for you to explore!

The Old Town

The Old Town (sometimes referred to as Lipscani) is an idyllic district featuring historic buildings and outdoor cafes. Explore the opulent Palace of Parliament, visit Village Museum and stroll peacefully along Herastrau Park and Lake for an enjoyable strolling experience.

Local guides reveal Bucharests hidden gems: undiscovered alleyways, delicious bites and lesser-known sites not often covered by guidebooks. Whether its food tours or simple strolling around at your own pace, locals will show you a side of Bucharest that few ever experience first-hand.

Are you eager to explore more of Bucharest? Reach out and allow us to craft the ideal journey. We pride ourselves on creating unforgettable experiences.