![CEC Palace - the [UNK] of a large building with a lot of windows](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1685592436797-20d670a08050%3Fcrop%3Dentropy%26cs%3Dtinysrgb%26fit%3Dmax%26fm%3Djpg%26ixid%3DM3w3ODc2Nzh8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxDRUMlMjBQYWxhY2V8ZW58MHwwfHx8MTc1ODA5NDczMXww%26ixlib%3Drb-4.1.0%26q%3D80%26w%3D1080&w=3840&q=75)
CEC Palace
Iconic 1900 bank building with a stunning glass dome and ornate architectural details, a monument to Bucharest's financial history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
To see detailed stonework
CEC Palace
Best Time
To see detailed stonework
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 1900 bank building with a stunning glass dome and ornate architectural details, a monument to Bucharest's financial history.
"A true monument to the city's rich history and design, so incredibly evocative of a bygone era of elegance."
🎟️ Event Access is Key
Interior visits are rare; check Calea Victoriei Foundation events for access to the stunning hall.
☀️ Daylight for Details
The intricate facade is best appreciated under natural light.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Banking Hall
Interior
Marvel at the vast hall with its stunning glass ceiling, ornate chandeliers, and rich historical decor.
Ornate Architectural Facade
Exterior
Admire the early 20th-century design, detailed stonework, and impressive presence on Victoriei Street.
Glass-Paneled Dome
Interior/Exterior
Witness the beauty of the dome from inside and out, a signature feature of this iconic building.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Interior
Best Viewing Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visiting Bucharest for 8 days - advice on what to do
🎟️ Event Access is Key
Interior visits are rare; check Calea Victoriei Foundation events for access to the stunning hall.
☀️ Daylight for Details
The intricate facade is best appreciated under natural light.
Advice for a tourist
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The building's nostalgic, grandiose presence is a photographer's dream.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Event Access is Key
Interior visits are rare; check Calea Victoriei Foundation events for access to the stunning hall.
☀️ Daylight for Details
The intricate facade is best appreciated under natural light.
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The building's nostalgic, grandiose presence is a photographer's dream.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
CEC Palace is widely praised for its stunning, grandiose early 20th-century architecture and its evocative presence in Bucharest's city center. Visitors are captivated by its ornate facade and the rare opportunity to see the beautiful interior, especially the grand hall with its glass ceiling. While interior access is limited, the exterior alone is considered a striking sight and a must-see for appreciating the city's historical and economic past.
"Palace of the Deposits and Consignments in Bucharest stands out with its grand early 20th-century architecture.
The building’s impressive facade reflects the city’s history of finance and commerce.
It’s a striking sight during a walk through the city center. A quick stop here offers a glimpse into Bucharest’s economic past without the crowds.
Best viewed during daylight to catch the detailed stonework."
noel medina
"CEC Bank Palace is an absolute marvel and truly a sight to behold! Walking past it, you're immediately struck by its nostalgic grandiose presence, a stunning piece of architecture that instantly transports you. It stands proudly as a true monument to the city's rich history and design, so incredibly evocative of a bygone era of elegance. A definite must-see for anyone who appreciates breathtaking beauty and historical significance!"
Adrian Marian Paunescu
"Wonderful old historical building on Victoriei Street that unfortunately, for now, can be visited only when private events are held (see Calea Victoriei Foundation events). I have waited for soo long for such an event and when the opportunity arises, I got myself a ticket to visit this stunning architecture inside. It is beautiful inside, a big hall with a stunning glass ceiling that lights the hall. The main stair can be seen and used to get to the first floor with a great chandelier (like the ones you see in big museums in Europe) and a conference room can be visited. The room is beautiful decorated with a big painting on the ceiling and has also big paintings of old Romania royalty. Amazing wood furniture and marble all over the palace. It was a visit that i highly recommend to anyone who is interested in architecture and old buildings."
Gabriela Sarbu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
CEC Palace is centrally located on Calea Victoriei in Bucharest, making it easily accessible. You can reach it by public transport, including buses and trams that stop nearby. Walking is also a great option if you're exploring the city center, as it's a striking landmark amidst other historical buildings.
Yes, CEC Palace is situated in the heart of Bucharest's city center, close to many other popular sights like the National Museum of Art of Romania and Revolution Square. It's a perfect stop during a walking tour of the capital.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Interior access to CEC Palace is limited. It's primarily accessible during special events organized by the Calea Victoriei Foundation. Keep an eye on their schedule for opportunities to visit the grand hall and admire its glass ceiling.
There is no general admission fee to view the exterior of CEC Palace. However, if you manage to secure tickets for an interior event hosted by the Calea Victoriei Foundation, there will be a ticket price associated with that specific event.
The exterior of CEC Palace can be viewed at any time. For interior access, you must check the schedule for events hosted by the Calea Victoriei Foundation, as these are the only times the building is open to the public.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire facade of CEC Palace on Calea Victoriei offers excellent photo opportunities. For interior shots, the grand hall with its glass dome and chandelier is particularly photogenic, but this is only possible during special events.
Generally, photography is permitted inside CEC Palace during events, but it's always a good idea to check the specific rules for the event you are attending. The stunning architecture and decor make for memorable photos.
🎫 🏛️ Architecture & History
CEC Palace is a prime example of early 20th-century architecture, featuring ornate details, a grand facade, and a distinctive glass-paneled dome. Its style evokes a sense of nostalgic grandeur.
The Palace of the Deposits and Consignments, now known as CEC Palace, was erected in 1900. It stands as a significant monument to Bucharest's history of finance and commerce.
The glass-paneled dome is a central architectural feature of CEC Palace, allowing natural light to illuminate the grand interior hall. Its copper exterior has oxidized to a unique green hue due to Bucharest's air chemistry.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
To truly experience the interior, keep an eye on events hosted by the Calea Victoriei Foundation. These events provide rare access to the stunning banking hall, allowing you to admire the chandeliers, woodwork, and marble finishes up close. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the building's historical ambiance and architectural splendor.
📸 Photographers
If you manage to attend an interior event, the grand banking hall is a dream for photographers. The combination of the dome, chandeliers, and opulent decor creates dramatic and memorable shots. Remember to check event-specific photography rules beforehand.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Interior: A Glimpse into History
Access to the interior is not a daily occurrence. The most reliable way to see inside is by attending events hosted by the Calea Victoriei Foundation. These events, which can range from cultural exhibitions to private functions, provide a unique opportunity to step into this historical monument. It's advisable to book tickets well in advance, as these opportunities are sought after by those interested in architecture and history.
During these interior visits, you might also discover details like the original vault doors visible through the glass floor of the 1900 banking hall. Some accounts even mention security guards pointing out where the 1944 gold reserve was hidden, adding a layer of intrigue to the visit.
Architectural Marvel: Exterior Details
Key features to admire on the exterior include the detailed stonework, the elegant lines of the structure, and the prominent glass-paneled dome that crowns the building. The copper exterior of the dome has developed a distinctive green patina over time, a visual cue to the city's atmospheric conditions.
Viewing the palace during daylight hours is highly recommended to fully appreciate the craftsmanship and intricate details of its construction. It stands as a beautiful monument, offering a glimpse into Bucharest's rich past and its architectural heritage.
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