„Vasile Alecsandri” National Theatre is located downtown Iasi, no. 18, Agatha Bârsescu Street.
Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00
* opening hours may vary, they are just for guidance
free
* visiting taxes may vary, they are just for guidance
Located in Iasi, the heart of the region Moldavia of Romania, „Vasile Alecsandri” National Theatre is famous for being the first ever national theatre of Romania, and thus having a long tradition and rich history.
In fact, the first ever Romanian play to be performed on this stage was played 200 years ago, in December 1816. 33 years later, the theatre has already received the title of national theatre, being the first of its kind in the country.
Constructed between 1894 and 1896, the building that currently houses The „Vasile Alecsandri” National Theatre is considered the oldest and the most beautiful theatre building in the country. Besides the architectural splendor and majesty of the building itself, one of its staples is the hand painted curtain by a Viennese artisan in 1896, which depicts an allegory of life with its three stages, while on the right another allegory, this time related to the unification of the Romanian Principalities, Moldavia, Transylvania and Wallachia that happened in 1859.
Another landmark of the „Vasile Alecsandri” National Theatre of Iasi is the iron curtain made by artist Al. Goltz. Beautifully painted with symmetrical ornaments, once lowered is totally separating the stage from the rest of the room. The same artist painted the ceiling of this theatre house, depicting angels and nymphs in a stucco rococo. The splendid custom-made crystal chandelier was brought all the way from Venice. From the first days of its opening two centuries ago, The „Vasile Alecsandri” National Theatre was the entertainment and art center of Iasi, thus attracting all the important local and national figures and personalities of Romania, from writers to politicians and very man others.
Recently, BBC Culture has included The „Vasile Alecsandri” National Theatre in Iasi in their “Seven Theatres that Take Your Breath Away” list in honor of World Theatre Day, together with Palais Gariner in Paris, France, Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, Italy or the famous Globe Theatre in London.
And it’s easy to understand why if you pay a visit to the „Vasile Alecsandri” National Theatre in Iasi. And while at it, go watch a play performance or have a stroll downtown, where you’ll get to see other magnificent architectural jewels, like the Metropolitan Cathedral or the beautiful Palas commercial and business centre downtown Iasi.