On January 21, 2025, the University of Bucharest held a press conference to share technical studies and proposed solutions for protecting and preserving the physical remnants of the 1989 Romanian Revolution found on the UB Palace.
The event, held in the Reading Room of the Faculty of Letters, brought together university representatives, construction experts, revolutionaries, civil society members, and journalists to discuss the details of the restoration and consolidation project. The goal of this initiative is to create modern educational spaces for students, prevent further destruction of the historic building, and highlight its cultural, historical, and symbolic significance as part of the region’s heritage.
The project to consolidate and restore the UB Palace, one of Bucharest’s most iconic landmarks, includes several key components. These include preserving and showcasing archaeological remains from the inner courtyard through the creation of a museum space, as well as establishing a dedicated museum of the 1989 Revolution in a room next to the University Balcony.
During the press conference, a detailed photographic documentary was presented, showcasing areas of interest that feature inscriptions and other physical evidence from 1989–1990. The findings highlighted four main aspects of the Revolution’s physical remnants: (1) areas with legible inscriptions that are already well-documented, (2) areas where inscriptions may exist, as suggested by historical photographs, requiring further investigation, (3) areas with multiple layers of paint that may be hiding additional inscriptions, and last but not least, (4), visible traces of bullet impacts from the Revolution.
Based on the study of the building’s facades, the project also aims to preserve and highlight these remnants wherever technically feasible. In some cases, this will include adding graphic elements with a specific visual identity in the area near the University Balcony to draw attention to these historical details.
„Our historic buildings are a reflection of our identity and a testament to the University’s vital role in Romanian society throughout its history. Preserving this long and valuable legacy depends on the restoration, protection, and reinforcement of the buildings that hold it. That’s why all those involved, specialists, representatives of revolutionary associations, architects, and other professionals, are working together tirelessly to find and implement the best solutions,” said Professor Marian Preda, PhD, Rector of the University of Bucharest.
The complete photo documentary, „Universitatea din București. Inscripții și urme de gloanțe fațade 1989 – 1990”, can be downloaded here . Additionally, a collection of proposals for preserving and showcasing the Revolution’s physical evidence, based on the study of the UB Palace’s facades, is available in this folder.