History Restored. The Eagle and Two Griffins to Be Reinstalled on the Pediment of the University of Bucharest Palace

The University of Bucharest (UB) will reinstall the eagle and the two griffins on the pediment of the UB Palace in the center of the capital on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The sculptures were destroyed in the 1944 bombings. The event marks the first step in the complete restoration of the original pediment of the University of Bucharest Palace, a project that will continue over the next two years, culminating in the full reconstruction of the sculptural ensemble designed by architect Alexandru Orăscu and created by sculptor Karl Storck between 1862 and 1869.

The original pediment of the University of Bucharest Palace, built in the Neoclassical style, was entitled “Minerva Protecting the Arts and Sciences” and was inspired by the Glyptothek in Munich. The artistic composition was conceived by Theodor Aman, while the bas-relief, carved in Ruse stone by Karl Storck and his collaborators, depicted the goddess Minerva crowning the sciences and the arts, surrounded by allegories representing academic disciplines and the fine arts. Above the pediment, on the acroterion, stood the ensemble consisting of the crowned eagle and the two griffins, symbolizing the protection of the state over knowledge and the university institution. The ensemble was almost entirely destroyed in the 1944 bombings. During the post-war reconstruction period, the façade of the central section was simplified, and the sculptural elements that had defined the image of the University Palace for almost a century disappeared.

The Ensemble Weighs 1.6 Tons

The ensemble to be installed is made of bronze and consists of an eagle weighing approximately one ton and two griffins weighing approximately 300 kilograms each, bringing the total weight of the ensemble to 1.6 tons. The work, with a total value of approximately 2 million lei, is signed by sculptor Alexandru Siminic, together with his collaborators, Teodor and Ștefan Siminic. It was created using the traditional technique of lost-wax bronze casting, chased and patinated, and is based on the original work of sculptor Karl Storck.

The return of the eagle and the two griffins to the pediment of the University of Bucharest Palace represents not only the recovery of an essential component of the building’s architectural identity, but also an act of recovering the historical and cultural memory of the University of Bucharest. The restoration of the pediment is part of the extensive project for the structural consolidation, restoration, and modernization of the University of Bucharest Palace, the largest educational building in Romania, with an area of more than 45,000 square meters, and one of the most important architectural heritage monuments in Romania. The investment is financed through the National Public or Social Interest Construction Program, carried out by the National Investment Company (CNI) under the authority of the Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration. The project aims to structurally consolidate the entire complex, restore the façades and historical elements, create a museum space dedicated to the archaeological remains discovered in the inner courtyard, and integrate modern architectural lighting solutions, so that the historical heritage can be preserved and valued for future generations. The consolidation, restoration, and modernization works are being carried out by the association of Construcții Erbașu (Leader), Terragaz Construct, Euras, and Polarh Design.

“The return of the eagle and the two griffins to the University of Bucharest Palace represents, above all, an act of historical recovery of a symbol that marked the identity of the university and of Romania’s capital for 75 years, until its destruction during the Second World War. For this reason, this moment is also imbued with the significance of restoring historical memory after the most destructive attack on Bucharest, as an act of reconstruction and respect for the past. The restoration of our university’s heritage and of the iconic building of the University of Bucharest Palace, with government support, represents a necessary tribute to the past that built the present and that must form the foundation for building the future. I am honored to be part of the generation of the University of Bucharest that is witnessing this moment, which will remain in the history of the capital and of Romania,” declares Prof. Marian Preda, PhD, Rector of the University of Bucharest.

About the University of Bucharest

The University of Bucharest was founded in 1864, continuing the tradition of the Princely Academy dating back to 1694. Since 2019, UB has been part of the European Civic University CIVIS, alongside ten other prestigious European universities, making a decisive contribution to the development and modernization of national and international education, science, and culture. The University of Bucharest currently features in the most important global rankings, where it holds positions placing it first among Romanian and regional universities.

The second edition of the Times Higher Education – Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026 ranks the University of Bucharest as the best university in Romania for interdisciplinary scientific research, which creates a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment for research, education, and innovation, bringing together highly diverse fields and built on high standards of sustainability, sustainable development, and care for society.

The University of Bucharest is also the first university in Romania and among the top 200 universities in the world in terms of its involvement in sustainable development activities, according to the Times Higher Education – Impact Rankings 2026, one of the best-known rankings in the international academic sphere. The University of Bucharest’s highest score in this ranking is for “Goal 4 – Quality Education,” where the university ranks 3rd among higher education institutions in Europe and 40th worldwide.

Furthermore, according to the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject 2026, the University of Bucharest is the top university in Romania in six fields: Linguistics, Modern Languages, English Language and Literature, Political Science, Chemistry, and Geography.

Last but not least, the University of Bucharest has reaffirmed its position as a leader in Romanian higher education, according to the latest edition of the QS World University Rankings 2027: globally, the University of Bucharest ranks in the 801-850 range, thus consolidating its position as Romania’s leading comprehensive university in terms of research, employability, academic reputation, and involvement in sustainable development activities. Internationally, the University of Bucharest ranks 233rd in terms of graduate employability outcomes and 465th in terms of employer reputation, with the ranking placing the University of Bucharest as the national leader for both indicators and reaffirming the institution’s ability to train competitive specialists prepared for the global labor market.