The House of Free Press in Bucharest is a landmark in the city’s north, at the entrance to the Băneasa area. Its monumental Socialist Realist architecture and history as a state printing works make it worth a short exterior visit; the building itself is not open for visits.
- Location: Piața Presei Libere 1, at the end of Șoseaua Kiseleff.
- What to see: The building’s façade from Free Press Square and the Wings Monument in front.
- Visit length: About 20 minutes for exterior viewing.
- Access: Exterior viewing is free; check the official site before you go.
The building and its history
The House of Free Press began as a printing works and headquarters for the state press, and its name reflects the political changes that followed. Construction started in 1952 on the former Băneasa Hippodrome site, with the newspaper Scânteia among the intended occupants. Before 1989, the building was called Casa Scânteii; after 1989, it became Casa Presei Libere.
Architect Horia Maicu led the design. The building’s Socialist Realist style drew inspiration from Moscow high-rises, including Lomonosov University, while decorative details took inspiration from Romanian monasteries such as Curtea de Argeș, Cozia and Horezu.
The central block and tower rise between lower wings with corner towers. Look for sculpted façade motifs, including a five-pointed star surrounded by bunches of grapes. The building measures 104 metres including its television antenna, or 91.6 metres without it. It was Bucharest’s tallest building from 1956 to 2007.
What can you see from public areas?
You can view the House of Free Press from outside, including from Free Press Square, Șoseaua Kiseleff and across the lake in Herăstrău Park. The building now houses offices, institutions and commercial spaces, rather than serving as a visitor attraction with interior access.
Free Press Square also gives you a view of the site’s changing public monuments. A statue of Lenin by sculptor Boris Caragea stood in front of the building from 1960 to 1990. The Wings, or Aripi, monument has occupied that spot since 2016 and is dedicated to the heroes of the anti-communist resistance.
There is no ticket for viewing the exterior, and the visit is estimated at about 20 minutes. As access arrangements can change, check before setting out.
How do you get from Băneasa to the House of Free Press?
From Baneasa Parc, the House of Free Press is about an 11-minute drive; the hotel offers guest rooms. It stands at Piața Presei Libere 1, where Șoseaua Kiseleff ends.
Aviatorilor, on metro line M2, is the nearest metro station. From there, the suggested onward options are a bus or taxi.
Nearby landmarks to pair with a visit
The Arch of Triumph is about 2 kilometres from the House of Free Press along Șoseaua Kiseleff, making it a natural landmark to combine with the exterior visit. The route follows the avenue that ends at Free Press Square.
The Wings Monument stands right in front of the House of Free Press, so it needs no separate trip. For more context on this memorial, the Wings Monument in Bucharest is also a subject in its own right.
FAQs
Is the House of Free Press open to visitors?
The building is not open for visits. You can see its exterior from public areas such as Free Press Square.
Is there an entrance fee?
There is no ticket for viewing the exterior. The estimated time for an exterior visit is about 20 minutes.
What is the Romanian name for the House of Free Press?
Its Romanian name is Casa Presei Libere. Before 1989, it was known as Casa Scânteii.
Where is the House of Free Press?
It is at Piața Presei Libere 1 in northern Bucharest, at the entrance to the Băneasa area and the end of Șoseaua Kiseleff. For a broader outing, a one-day north Bucharest route can put the area in a wider itinerary.