Bucharest: From Belle Époque to Art Deco – A Journey through the Capital’s Urban Architecture
Have you ever wondered how Bucharest’s urban landscape evolved between the mid-19th and mid-20th centuries? How did this city transform from a place with Balkan influences into a modern capital aligned with the tastes and trends of major European cities? What architectural and cultural shifts marked the transition from the time of Alexandru Ioan Cuza to the interwar period, one of the most dynamic and vibrant eras in Romania’s history?
We invite you to explore these questions and more at the conference “Bucharest from Belle Époque to Art Deco”, led by architect Alexandru Buzatu, a passionate specialist in the history of Bucharest’s built environment.
From Little Paris to Interwar Modernism
Between 1860 and 1940, Bucharest experienced a radical transformation. The period known as the Belle Époque (late 19th – early 20th century) brought a strong French influence in both architecture and urban planning. Buildings designed à la française – in eclectic, neoclassical, or Beaux-Arts styles – contributed to the city’s nickname: “Little Paris.”
However, the urban landscape would significantly change in the interwar years, with the emergence of modernist styles, particularly Art Deco – a movement formally born in 1925 with the famous Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris. Characterized by geometric lines, symmetry, and stylized ornamentation, Art Deco deeply influenced Bucharest’s interwar aesthetic, leaving behind remarkable buildings that still stand today.
The Neo-Romanian Style – Between Tradition and Modernity
Another key style that shaped Bucharest’s identity was the Neo-Romanian style, developed at the end of the 19th century and affirmed during the interwar period. Emerging in a context of national cultural awakening, this style blended elements of Brâncovenesc, Byzantine, and vernacular rural architecture, offering a uniquely Romanian alternative to Western influences. Architects such as Ion Mincu, Petre Antonescu, and Nicolae Ghika-Budești played a central role in developing this architectural language that expresses the essence of Romania’s modern cultural identity.
A Visual and Narrative Conference
This conference is not just a lecture—it is a visual and analytical journey through time. We will explore archival images and contemporary photographs, trace the evolution of streets, buildings, and urban mindsets, and discuss the cultural and geopolitical forces that shaped the city. Fashion, taste, and social aspirations—all are reflected in the built fabric of Bucharest.
Alexandru Buzatu, architect and researcher in the history of architecture, will guide this journey. With extensive experience in studying Bucharest’s architectural heritage, he will offer a well-documented yet accessible interpretation, blending academic insight with genuine passion for the city.
Event Details
🗓 When? Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM
📍 Where? Casa Plan Patru – 4 Plantelor Street, Bucharest
⏳ Duration: Approximately 2 hours
📌 Limited seats available!
📷 Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the entire Plan Patru house before the conference begins – a historic building that perfectly matches the spirit of the event.
Contact
📬 Venue information: contact@planpatru.ro
📬 Event content inquiries: asociatia.nouanepasa@gmail.com
We warmly invite you to rediscover the history of Bucharest—a city of contrasts, of shifting forms, and of a living architectural memory. This conference is both a reflection and a celebration of the city’s elegant past.