Banffy Palace and National Museum of Art, Cluj-Napoca

Bánffy Palace, an exquisite example of 18th-century Baroque architecture, is one of Cluj-Napoca's most significant historical buildings. Designed by the German architect Johann Eberhard Blaumann and constructed between 1774 and 1775, the palace stands as a testament to the opulence and grandeur of the period. The palace was initially commissioned by György Bánffy, a Hungarian duke and the governor of Transylvania, who sought to create a residence that reflected his stature and influence. The result was a stunning architectural masterpiece that continues to be regarded as the most representative Baroque building in Transylvania.

The structure of Bánffy Palace is impressive in both scale and design. The building covers a floor area of 66 by 48 meters, with an inner courtyard measuring 26 by 26 meters. The palace is arranged with wings on either side, each containing a row of rooms, while the front and back wings include two rows. The inner courtyard, surrounded by a portico on the second floor, adds to the palace's majestic atmosphere. The façade is richly adorned with statues of classical figures, including Mars, Minerva, Apollo, Diana, Hercules, and Perseus, as well as the Bánffy family coat of arms, flanked by gryphons. A prominent feature of the palace is its central gate, which is topped by a loggia with seven pillars, adding to the building's regal appearance.

In February 1951, the city council decided to repurpose Bánffy Palace, transforming it into an art museum. After extensive renovations, the museum was officially opened on December 30, 1965. The conversion of the palace into a cultural institution marked a new chapter in its history, allowing the public to appreciate both its architectural beauty and the rich collection of art housed within its walls. The cinema that once occupied the inner courtyard was demolished in 1974, further restoring the palace's original grandeur.

Since 1951, the Banffy Palace has been the home of the National Museum of Art in Cluj-Napoca. This is a picture, graphic and decorative art patrimony. The permanent exhibits present works of such artists as Theodor Pallady, Camil Ressu, Vasile Popescu, and others. The National Museum of Art was awarded the European Museum of the Year award by the EMYA in 1997.