Craiova is preparing to host a cultural event of national and international significance. From May 28 to 30, 2026, the “Constantin Brâncuși Days” will transform the City of Bănia into a vibrant space for dialogue between history, art, and pure emotion, marking an exceptional celebration of the genius of modern sculpture.
Organized by the National Grand Lodge of Romania, in partnership with the Craiova Unită Association, the Dolj County Council, the Craiova City Hall, and DIGI, the event promises to highlight the cultural vitality of the entire region. For three days, the city’s iconic institutions—from the “Oltenia” Philharmonic and the Art Museum to the Brâncuși Center and the Summer Theater—will come alive with festive concerts, exhibitions of rare documents, conferences, and ballet performances.
A journey through the heart of culture and the arts
The program open to the general public kicks off on Friday, May 29, when cultural events will take place at key locations throughout the city. The day begins at the Oltenia Philharmonic with a festive concert conducted by Daniel Jinga and continues in the famous Hall of Mirrors at the Craiova Art Museum. Here, the public will be able to attend the exhibition and lecture by painter Vasile Fuiorea, as well as the launch of the poetry anthology “Cuvinte sculptate” (Sculpted Words), authored by Prof. Ion Deaconescu, Ph.D., a volume entirely dedicated to the great sculptor.
The evening will be dedicated to the Brâncuși Center, where the program “Brâncuși—Flight to Infinity” will feature an exhibition of rare documents from the Gelu Birău collection, the academic conference “Brâncuși Between the Sickle and the Hammer” presented by Adrian Tudor, and a screening of the film “Brâncuși, Imaginary Letter” directed by Cornel Mihalache. The atmosphere will be complemented by refined musical moments and an exceptional ballet performance presented by the Craiova Romanian Opera.
Cultural Trails and Community Solidarity
Saturday, May 30, is dedicated to exploring the city on foot and participating in charitable activities. The morning will begin with guided tours of the most important local attractions, offering participants the opportunity to discover key institutions such as the History Museum, the Museum of the Book and Romanian Exile, or the imposing “St. Dumitru” Metropolitan Cathedral. Meanwhile, in Nicolae Romanescu Park, artists Dan Munteanu, Cosmin Mareș, and Gigi Opriș will lead a live sculpture workshop, accompanied at lunchtime by the music of the Military Band.
The grand finale of the festivities will take place at the Summer Theater, featuring a festive concert by the Craiova Romanian Opera, followed by the event’s charity ball, hosted by the “Smart Pub by Voila” restaurant in Preajba. The ball will feature a raffle with prizes and an auction of art objects, with all proceeds going to charitable causes, demonstrating that art has the power not only to uplift the spirit but also to actively support the community.
A Year Dedicated to the Absolute in Art
The “Constantin Brâncuși Days” in Craiova represent the culmination of a much broader initiative. The events are part of the extended program of the “Constantin Brâncuși” Year, officially proclaimed by the Grand National Lodge of Romania to solemnly mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of the titan from Hobița (1876–2026). Through this initiative, the NGLR actively assumes the moral duty to preserve and promote the fundamental values of our culture, reaffirming that Brâncuși remains an unchanging spiritual pillar of our national identity.