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Historical places

The House of the Free Press

4.2 · 2,248 reviews
Formal, bureaucratic, and imposing
The House of the Free Press, Corp A2, Piața Presei Libere 1, București 013701, Romania
Interesting facts
1

The building was constructed on the site of the former Bucharest North Hippodrome horse racing track.

2

Its architectural design is heavily inspired by the Lomonosov Moscow State University building.

3

The structure weighs approximately 100,000 tons and sits on a solid reinforced concrete foundation.

4

In 1960, a massive 7-meter tall bronze statue of Vladimir Lenin was installed in front of the building, which was removed and demolished following the 1989 revolution.

5

The building's height and central location were strategically chosen to dominate the skyline during the mid-20th century.

6

The base of the building covers approximately 32,000 square meters.

Overview

The House of the Free Press is a prominent example of Socialist Realist architecture, completed in 1957. Located in northern Bucharest, it served as the headquarters for the state-controlled press and printing industry during the communist era. The building is modeled after Moscow's Seven Sisters skyscrapers, featuring a central tower that reaches 104 meters including its antenna. It remains a functional office complex housing various media organizations, printing houses, and private companies. The exterior is adorned with relief carvings reflecting themes of labor and socialist progress. The structure currently serves as one of the most recognizable landmarks of Bucharest's northern entrance corridor.

Photo spot

From the center of the Piața Presei Libere roundabout, looking toward the main entrance.

Insider tips

Focus on the exterior architecture as public access to the upper levels is strictly restricted to office personnel.

Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby Herăstrău Park to appreciate the building's scale from a distance.

Observe the intricate stone friezes on the facade, which depict socialist workers and industrial motifs.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to enter office areas or restricted zones, as this is a fully operational business building with security controls.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
30-45 minutes
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon for the best natural light on the facade's stone details.
Address
The House of the Free Press, Corp A2, Piața Presei Libere 1, București 013701, Romania
44.481, 26.071
Get directions
Details
Architectural StyleSocialist Realist
Historical SignificanceFormer headquarters of state-controlled media

Frequently asked

Plan for about 30-45 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning or late afternoon for the best natural light on the facade's stone details..

From the center of the Piața Presei Libere roundabout, looking toward the main entrance.

Close by you'll find Herastrau Park, "Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum, Bucharest Herăstrău Park.