Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Roman)

The Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Roman) on Strada Benjamin Franklin in Sector 1 is Bucharest's most celebrated concert hall and the home of the George Enescu Philharmonic. Opened in 1888 and funded in part by public subscription, the neoclassical building is fronted by Ionic columns and a domed rotunda. The interior is the main draw for visitors: a circular Great Hall with a ring of balconies, gilded detail, red upholstery and a continuous fresco, painted in the 1930s, that unrolls the key episodes of Romanian history around the walls beneath the dome. The hall is known for its acoustics and seats around 800 people, which gives concerts an intimate feel. Performances by the George Enescu Philharmonic usually take place on Thursday and Friday evenings from September to June, and the biennial George Enescu Festival fills the hall with international orchestras in late summer of odd-numbered years. For visitors who cannot attend an evening concert, pre-booked guided visits can be arranged through the Philharmonic, and the foyer and auditorium are open at set times. A concert lasts about two hours, while a tour takes roughly an hour. Photographers get the best angles of the dome and fresco from the first balcony, though photography during performances is not allowed. Tickets are priced for a range of budgets, with cheaper seats on upper levels and student discounts available at the box office. Smart-casual dress is common, though not strictly required. Nearby sights including Revolution Square, the Royal Palace and Cretzulescu Church are a short walk down Calea Victoriei, so an evening can be combined with dinner in the centre of Bucharest, Romania.