“George Enescu” National University of Arts is the first artistic higher education institution in Romania. It was founded in 1860 as The Music and Declamation School, by official decree of Alexandru Ioan Cuza, the first Ruler of the United Principalities. 26 days later, with the signing of the decree for the foundation of the University, the School for Sculpture and Painting and the National Painting Museum are born.
In 1931, the Conservatory and the School of Fine Arts are elevated to the rank of Academy through a decree given by the renowned historian and politician Nicolae Iorga. In the same year George Enescu, a top-ranking personality on the national and international music scene, accepts the proposal that the Academy of Music and Drama in Iasi bear his name, and he is appointed, at the initiative of the teaching body, honorary Rector for life. In 1948, the education reform brings together the art education institutions under one roof, that of the Art Institute (Music, Drama and Fine Arts Faculties).
In 1997 the institution receives, through a decree of the Romanian Government, the name of «University of Arts "George Enescu"» and it organizes through its structure the three main artistic branches: Music, Visual Arts and Drama.
Since 2016 the institution became “George Enescu” National University of Arts, structured in three specialized faculties: Faculty of Performance, Composition and Music Theory Studies, Faculty of Visual Arts and Design, Faculty of Theatre, comprising 23 study programs serving both BA and MA levels, Doctoral Studies Department (Doctoral School) for the Ph.D. level of studies and Department for Teachers Education.
With over 1,500 students, covering all the major areas of arts, the University stands as a beacon of culture, aiming for the protection, preservation and promotion of the Romanian artistic creation, development of the taste for beauty and for authentic creations.
Being situated in Iasi, the University allow its students to benefit from the intense and rich cultural life of the city, with numerous artistic venues, art galleries and important museums, such as Iasi Philharmonic, the National Theatre of Iasi or the Palace of Culture. Located in a central area of Iasi the university has modern studios, laboratories, performance halls, an art library, accommodation facilities and a dynamic art gallery where are exhibited works by students and established artists from Romania and abroad.
The University creates numerous
opportunities for scientific research and artistic creation, excellence
coming precisely from the thoughtful balance of the two, as a
professional means for development of the 'teachers' and
the students' activity.
The Publishing House of the University - Artes is in charge of editing and printing
didactic, scientific and cultural
books and articles written by the members of the academic community. It
also prints any material related to the University.
