This is Bucharest's most prestigious
concert hall and one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. It was built in 1888 in neo-classical
style after a design by the French architect Albert Galleron. The project was conceived by the
diplomat Constantin Exarcu and the money for the completion of the building were gathered in a public
collection in which people were asked to "give a leu for the Atheneum" (The "leu" being the currency of
Romania). With its 40 m high dome and the Doric columns it resembles an ancient temple. The beautiful
facade is adorned with mosaics of five Romanian rulers. On the inside there are scenes from Romanian
history. This is the place to hear classical music in Bucharest. The resident orchestra is George
Enescu Philarmonic. Address: Piata Revolutiei (Revolutiei Square).
