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[The CIVIS Newsroom ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom) 2. History restored at the University of Bucharest: sculptures destroyed in WW II, reinstalled History restored at the University of Bucharest: sculptures destroyed in WW II, reinstalled ============================================================================================= CIVIS Highlights 4 September 2026 An eagle and two griffins, weighing together 1.6 tons, “landed” this summer on the pediment of the University of Bucharest Palace, in a spectacular operation. The sculptures had to be recreated, after the original ones were destroyed in the 1944 bombings. The event marks the first step in the complete restoration of the original pediment of the University of Bucharest Palace, a project that will continue over the next two years - until the full reconstruction of the sculptural ensemble. ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/ub4.jpg)photo: UBThe artistic composition of the Palace’s original pediment, built in the Neoclassical style, was conceived by painter Theodor Aman, designed by architect Alexandru Orăscu and created by sculptor Karl Storck between 1862 and 1869. Entitled *“Minerva Protecting the Arts and Sciences”*, the work of art was inspired by the Glyptothek in Munich. The bas-relief depicted the goddess Minerva crowning the sciences and the arts, surrounded by allegories representing academic disciplines and the fine arts. Above the pediment, on the acroterion, stood an ensemble of a crowned eagle and two griffins, symbolizing the protection of the state over knowledge and the university institution. Unfortunately, it was almost entirely destroyed in the 1944 bombings. During the post-war reconstruction period, the façade of the central section was simplified, and the sculptural elements that had defined the image of the University Palace for almost a century disappeared until now. An act of recovering the historical and cultural memory of the University of Bucharest -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The return of the eagle and the two griffins to the pediment of the University of Bucharest Palace represents not only the recovery of an essential component of the building’s architectural identity, but also an act of recovering the historical and cultural memory of the University of Bucharest, which was founded in 1864. The new sculptures were created using the traditional technique of lost-wax bronze casting, chased and patinated. Based on the original work of sculptor Karl Storck, the newly installed ensemble weighs in total 1.6 tons. The restoration of the pediment is part of the extensive project for the structural consolidation, restoration, and modernization of the University of Bucharest Palace. It’s the largest educational building in Romania, with an area of more than 45,000 square meters, and one of the most important architectural heritage monuments in Romania. > *The restoration of our university’s heritage and of the iconic building of the University of Bucharest Palace, with government support, represents a necessary tribute to the past that built the present and that must form the foundation for building the future. I am honored to be part of the generation of the University of Bucharest that is witnessing this moment, which will remain in the history of the capital and of Romania,”* declares Prof. Marian Preda, PhD, Rector of the University of Bucharest. The project aims to structurally consolidate the entire complex, restore the façades and historical elements, create a museum space dedicated to the archaeological remains discovered in the inner courtyard, and integrate modern architectural lighting solutions, so that the historical heritage can be preserved and valued for future generations. The full details are available in the original story, in Romanian. [Citește mai mult](https://unibuc.ro/istoria-restaurata-vulturul-si-cei-doi-grifoni-vor-fi-reamplasati-pe-frontonul-palatului-universitatii-din-bucuresti/) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/ub3-618x_.jpg?token=834c878206f43b66a8bdf67f06dc5257) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/ub3-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=49ea1decd08ef11037f225fb41cd0c27) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/ub1-618x_.jpg?token=31552a61b89b59fd627968a6253b9136) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/ub1-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=2c523edb2583c9ed8629c5dc449d69cb) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/ub5-618x_.jpg?token=34dd9829c08841e1e062ac8843494708) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/ub5-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=85594174ec8eb2dad04fdb0f927dc73e) Related news ------------ - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/84-800x600.jpg?token=fa16a5d525e60b93d42cec290fccf22f)Promoting handwriting in the digital age: “Calligraphy Hour” at the University of Bucharest CIVIS Highlights 4 June 2026 ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/promoting-handwriting-in-the-digital-age-calligraphy-hour-at-the-university-of-bucharest) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/highlight-ub-list-photo-800x600.jpg?token=5b72c7117f5333b2591d28ad64fc3ab5)The new Vice‑Coordinator of the European Geoparks Network comes from the University of Bucharest CIVIS Highlights 7 May 2026 ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/the-new-vice-coordinator-of-the-european-geoparks-network-comes-from-the-university-of-bucharest) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/ub-microbiome-800x600.jpg?token=840fb7f759e8d4748f74e07cf8534e12)“Invisible lives inside our bodies shape our health and well-being”, UB's microbiologist highlights CIVIS Highlights 15 April 2026 ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/invisible-lives-inside-our-bodies-shape-our-health-and-well-being-ub-s-microbiologist-highlights) [Discover all our stories](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom) ![CIVIS – Europe’s Civic University Alliance](https://civis.eu/build/assets/civis-CCpvK1nT.svg) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Europe’s Civic University Alliance ![Co-funded by the European Union](https://civis.eu/build/assets/co-funded-by-the-european-union-DSKLW1us.png)Views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). 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