“Vasile Alecsandri” National Theatre

Designated by the BBC among the „world’s seven theatres that take your breath away”, “Vasile Alecsandri” National Thatre (1896) stands as a neoclassical masterpiece, influenced by late Romanticism. The façade pediment displays the haut-relief of Calliope, muse of eloquence and of epic poetry, with Sophocles, the poet of tragedy and Aristophanes, “the prince of ancient comedy” at each corner. The hallways are lavishly decorated with gold coated stucco, and display an exhibition of old costumes. The Grand Hall is a rococo masterpiece with sculptural representations, Greek mythological paintings on the ceiling, a marvellous Viennese chandelier, red velvet tapestries, as well as a royal box. The 100-year old curtain, painted by the Viennese master Lenz, features an allegory of life, and to the right side, the Union Dance. (PHOTO : Alexandru DRĂGAN)