Representatives of the University of Bucharest, the Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration, and the contractor visit the University Palace construction site: 80% of the Faculty of History Wing completed. The pediment featuring the eagle and griffins returns to the University Palace

The University Palace of Bucharest is the largest educational building in Romania, with a surface area of over 45,000 square meters

A delegation including Cseke Attila, Minister of Development, Public Works and Administration; Professor Marian Preda, PhD, Rector of the University of Bucharest, Associate Professor Matei Gheboianu, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of History of the University of Bucharest, and Cristian Erbașu, CEO of Construcții Erbașu, carried out a working visit to the University Palace construction site on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Following the inspection, it was noted that 80% of the wing designated for the Faculty of History has been completed and is expected to be handed over to the faculty in the coming months, likely by the end of 2025. Given the advanced stage of the works, authorities reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the investment until the entire project is completed.

Discussions also focused on the reconstruction of the central pediment of the University Palace, more than 80 years after it was removed from the building. As part of the rehabilitation and consolidation works, the pediment featuring the eagle and griffins will once again crown the University of Bucharest. The bronze casting of the figures will be produced at a workshop in Arad.

The consolidation and restoration project of the University Palace is financed through the National Construction Program for Public or Social Interest, run by the National Investment Company under the authority of the Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration. The project is planned over a period of more than 60 months, with an estimated value of approximately 315 million lei.

Work began in January 2023 and covers the structural consolidation of the entire palace, restoration of façades and historic decorations, roof reconstruction, creation of a museum space dedicated to archaeological finds uncovered in the inner courtyard, as well as the installation of a modern architectural lighting system. The goal is twofold: to create modern learning spaces for students while also protecting and enhancing Romania’s historical heritage.

A witness to defining moments in recent history, the University Palace is now in a phase of transition. Beyond its aesthetic renewal, the consolidation and rehabilitation works also carry historic significance. Marked by the dark decades of communism, the University Palace will be brought back into the light: the University Balcony – central to the 1989 Revolution – will be highlighted by architectural lighting, designed not only to enhance the beauty of the building but also to preserve the memory of a place once dominated by censorship and fear. The inner courtyard will be transformed into an open-air museum space.

“The restoration of the University Palace is an emblematic project showing how the state can invest in national heritage, combining historical preservation with the development of educational infrastructure. For the Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration, this is a model of good practice, proving that historic monuments can be brought back to life through modern technical solutions, in a strong partnership between public institutions, academia, and the construction sector. Our objective is to provide the University of Bucharest with a safe, efficient, and sustainable space that meets the needs of a continuously growing academic community,” emphasized Cseke Attila, Minister of Development, Public Works and Administration.

“The restoration of the University Palace is far more than an infrastructure project. With over 45,000 square meters, it is both the largest and most historically significant building in the University’s patrimony, the largest educational building in Romania, and an important bastion of freedom and democracy. Restoring this historic building is an investment in Romania’s academic and cultural identity, reaffirming the central role the University of Bucharest has played and continues to play in the country’s intellectual and social life. I can say, from discussions with colleagues and students, that they are eager to return to this landmark building, where generations of graduates have shaped their academic journeys – and which, thanks to this investment, will continue to inspire future generations,” noted Professor Marian Preda, PhD, Rector of the University of Bucharest.

“For our team, the restoration of the University Palace is a project close to our hearts, because it allows us to contribute directly to protecting a landmark of Romania’s history and education. The technical challenges are considerable – from consolidating such a massive historic structure to integrating modern safety and efficiency systems. This requires us to approach every stage with the utmost responsibility and respect for the building’s cultural value. Our goal is that, once completed, the University Palace will stand not only as a safe and modern building but also as a symbol of excellence in construction and restoration,” stated Cristian Erbașu, CEO of Construcții Erbașu.

The University of Bucharest, among the world’s top 25 universities for quality of education

Founded in 1864, the University of Bucharest has been part of the European Civic University Alliance (CIVIS) since 2019, alongside ten other prestigious European universities. UB is increasingly becoming a key player in shaping European higher education.

The 2025 edition of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, one of the top three most prestigious academic rankings worldwide assessing universities’ involvement in sustainable development, places the University of Bucharest first in Romania and 25th globally for quality of education. Moreover, UB ranks 93rd overall in the Impact Rankings 2025, marking a national milestone as the first Romanian university to enter the global top 100.

UB also reaffirms its leadership position in Romanian higher education according to the most recent edition of the QS World University Rankings 2026 – also one of the top three academic rankings. Globally, the University of Bucharest ranks in the 761–770 band, showing a significant improvement from the previous 801–850 band, and achieving some of its best results in the last decade. Notably, UB excels in Employment Outcomes and Employer Reputation, confirming its ability to produce competitive, job-ready graduates. According to the latest data, 81.1% of UB graduates secure employment within 7–11 months after graduation.

Currently, the University of Bucharest is also ranked the best university in Romania for international students, according to the latest Study Abroad Aide’s World University Rankings, placing UB in the top 11% of universities worldwide for international students. Another recent ranking, the THE – Interdisciplinary Science Ranking 2025, places the University of Bucharest first nationally and among the top 350 globally for interdisciplinary scientific research.