Get ready to explore one of Bucharest's most beloved attractions! The National Village Museum "Dimitrie Gusti" is not just a park; it's an open-air ethnological museum with ancient buildings that will transport you through the ages. From the 17th to the early 20th century, this unique and captivating place offers a fascinating glimpse into Romanian village life. Join us as we uncover its location, access, operating hours, ticket prices, and, most importantly, the treasures waiting to be discovered inside!

✈️Support our journey! Your donation will fuel our pursuit of better equipment🎬resulting in enhanced travel guides!🌍

This is one of many videos that showcase our exploration of Romania, including Bucharest and other intriguing destinations worth visiting. To enhance your viewing experience, we've divided the content into separate videos. Just check the index numbers on each title or the relevant playlist. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxRHhKvfPjpWur1tkQtz0HG2VZveDTkma

Where is it?

The National Village Museum is located north of Bucharest, on the shores of the beautiful Lake Herastrau. This convenient location makes it a must-visit for any traveller interested in Romanian culture and history. It's about 6km away from the historic center and there are many other options to visit around, in the vicinity of the park. You can also visit King Michael Park and have a lake cruise, the Romanian Arch Of Triumph and the Ceausescu House.

How To Get There

Getting to the museum is easy! You can take the metro to the Aviatorilor station, which is just a short walk away. Alternatively, you can hop on bus lines 112, 205, or 301, all of which stop near the museum entrance. Estimate that it will take you over 30 minutes to reach the entrance from the Old Town city center. If you have already been to the museum, do share your experience in the comments section! Other visitors might find your comments useful!

Opening Hours

Throughout the year, the museum welcomes visitors with its doors wide open, offering slightly adjusted hours to match the season. During the sunny days of summer, you can explore its wonders from Monday, starting at 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, and from Tuesday to Sunday, extending its hours until 7:00 PM. As the chilly winter sets in, the museum continues to enchant guests every day of the week, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, ensuring ample time to soak in its cultural richness regardless of the weather outside. As you can see, it's an outdoor museum, better admired during the day. Be sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. We advise you to check that so you can see the different gate entrances. https://muzeul-satului.ro/en/acces-muzeu/program-muzeu/

Ticket Prices

Tickets are very affordable, making this a budget-friendly activity. At the time of creating this video, the prices were as follows:

Adults: 30 LEI

Seniors: 15 LEI (with valid documentation)

Students: 8 LEI (with current-year documentation)

There's no time slot to visit. You can enter the time you wish and wander around freely unless you wish to pay extra for a guide.

Children up to 6 years old can enter for free.

What To See - History

We already mentioned that what you see is original.

The National Village Museum showcases real buildings brought from various regions of Romania. You'll find traditional houses, churches, outbuildings, and even technical installations, all meticulously reconstructed to create an authentic experience.

You'll also discover various tools, furniture, and everyday objects used by villagers throughout history, offering a glimpse into their lives and customs.

The concept of an open-air museum in Romania arose in the late 19th century, culminating in the vision of Professor Dimitrie Gusti. In the 1930s, under his leadership, the dream became reality. Gusti, along with a team of specialists, embarked on a series of research expeditions across the country, meticulously documenting and selecting representative structures and objects from diverse regions.

The museum's creation was a remarkable feat, achieved in just two months. Teams carefully reconstructed these structures in Bucharest, preserving the traditional building techniques and respecting the authenticity of each piece. This included houses, outbuildings, churches, and even technical installations, offering a complete picture of rural life.

Initially, the museum aimed to capture the true essence of village life, even going as far as having families from the original villages reside in the houses. This immersive experience, however, posed challenges to the preservation of the monuments.

Following the turmoil of the mid-20th century, the museum entered a new phase under the leadership of Gheorghe Focșa. He focused on professionalisation, scientific research, and expanding the museum's reach beyond its initial sociological focus. New acquisitions diversified the collection, encompassing various ethnicities and regions within Romania.

Today, the National Village Museum "Dimitrie Gusti" boasts over 62 architectural complexes, housing over 223 buildings and 17,000 objects. It has become a vital center for research, education, and cultural exchange.

The museum continues to evolve, facing challenges like the need for conservation, documentation, and adapting to changing societal landscapes. It actively collaborates with international partners and plays a crucial role in supporting other museums and preserving Romania's rich cultural heritage.

There are useful signs outside the settlements, which help you understand their history better.

A Historic Restaurant Inside

Located on a former trade route, the village of Vălenii de Munte was a natural stopping point for travellers. Built in the early 19th century, the "La Barieră" Inn catered to merchants and shepherds, offering them food, lodging, and horseshoeing services for their animals.Today, the beautifully preserved inn stands proudly at the National Village Museum in Bucharest.

You can find it just behind the main entrance.

Built with stone and brick, it features two large, decorative verandas and three distinct levels. The basement held food and drinks, the ground floor housed the kitchen and dining hall, while the top floor served as the innkeeper's residence and a special guest room. Legend has it that even Romanian ruler Alexandru Ioan Cuza stayed here!

Nearby, visitors can discover traditional elements like the wine barrel storage, grape press, and stables, offering a glimpse into the inn's bustling past. Now adapted to the museum's needs, "La Barieră" welcomes visitors with delicious Romanian cuisine, keeping its legacy of hospitality alive.

Other Activities

Many temporary Exhibitions take place throughout the year. Check the official webpage for the details.

You can organise an event like a book launch, a press conference, or even a photo session for weddings and baptisms inside the premises.

Naturally, you will have to file a written request and negotiate the price!

You will also have to ask in advance for a guide. The offered languages are Romanian, English, French, and Russian.

For an extra price, the museum can offer restoration services.

So, if you're ever in Bucharest, don't miss the National Village Museum "Dimitrie Gusti". It's a unique opportunity to step back in time, immerse yourself in Romanian culture, and learn about the country's rich history.

Do you have a question? Post it in the comments section! Check the description tab for more details about this destination.

Have you been there?

Share your impressions in the comments!

We hope you found this video useful!

It takes detailed planning and a long time to shoot, edit, and create this content.

If our videos add value to your travels, show some love by liking, subscribing, hitting that notification bell, and staying tuned for more.

Your support helps us grow bestravelvideo and ensures we keep bringing you top-notch content!

Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/bestravelvideo

QUESTIONS AND MORE

Do you have a question? Post it in the comments section! Check the description tab for more details about this destination, or read along with the subtitles!

https://www.tiktok.com/@bestravelvideo

Watch our shorts videos here! Subscribe and turn the bell on, to never miss new uploads! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgQn7TId0MY&list=PLxRHhKvfPjpVgVNtvztP0R1WZBTAJeGeH

Check out these additional videos to enhance your exploration of Bucharest and Romania!

Featured Post

Bucharest Museum Tour: Dimitrie Gusti National Village guide