A century-old architectural jewel is being rehabilitated with 15 million euros. It is about the “Mihai Eminescu” Theater building in Botoșani, one of the most beautiful theaters in Romania. It also has gold leaf ornaments.
Interior of the restored theater PHOTO Doina Federovici
The “Mihai Eminescu” theater in Botoșani is one of the most beautiful theaters in Romania, over a century old. It is also the first city theater in Moldova. Its construction, at the beginning of the 20th century, cost a fortune, being a real architectural gem. After more than 100 years, bombings, modifications, decadence and delayed rehabilitation, the theater from Botoșani will regain, in 2024, its former glory.
A story theater in the north of Moldova
In the 19th century, Botoșani was a prosperous and cosmopolitan market where Romanians, Jews, Armenians, Lipovians, and other ethnic groups learned to coexist. It was a merchant town, especially in the commercial center, but also elitist, noble, with beautiful houses in Secession and Art Nouveau style, on Mihai Eminescu Boulevard or Unirii Pietonal and other picturesque areas. In this prosperous city in the north of the country, culture was highly valued. Especially the theater. As early as 1865, approaches were made to the General Committee of Theaters in Romania and the Ministry of the Interior for the establishment of a national theater in Botoșani. The demand was very high. The efforts failed, so the rich merchants and the Botošanian boyars held a public outcry, collected an impressive amount and built their own theater.
In January 1912, the “Eminescu Theater Joint Stock Company” was established, with 75 shareholders and a capital of 400,000 lei. In the same year, the foundation stone of the theater was laid. The building was built with craftsmen from abroad, according to the plan of the architect Grigore Cerchez, in the eclectic style of the French school. The absolutely gorgeous construction was completed in 1914. The theater was named after Mihai Eminescu, originally from Botoșani, being the first cultural institution to be named after the great poet. Also in 1914, the premiere of “Our Lorica”, the first show on the stage of the new theater, takes place. The building was partially destroyed by bombing in 1944 and rebuilt in 1958 with additions in the communist style. The theater was re-established in 1958 and is still operating today.
A rehabilitation with song, works stopped and sums tripled
At the beginning of the 2000s, in Botoșani, the theater building was deteriorating more and more. So the decision was made to fully rehabilitate. Not anyway, but according to the original plans from 1912. It was a chance for the architectural jewel of the early 20th century to be reborn. In 2013, a financing with European funds was obtained. More precisely, 5 million euros. In 2014, the works started.
Detail of the Mihai Eminescu theater PHOTO Doina Federovici
However, it was a Romanian rehabilitation, with mishaps and stuttering. In 2015, when the investment should have been completed, the work was only 20% complete. In addition, in the same year, the modernization was stopped because additional works appeared. More precisely, there was a need to consolidate the theater, works that would not have been foreseen initially. The first funding was lost, and new funds were needed to rehabilitate the theater. In addition, with the update of prices for materials and workmanship, plus additional works, the amount has tripled, and the rehabilitation of the theater ends up costing 15 million euros.
An architectural gem comes to life
In recent years, however, the local authorities have made consistent efforts and the rehabilitation of the theater is nearing completion. More precisely, the last deadline for the completion of the works is December 24, 2024. The local administration says that the rehabilitation is done in proportion to 97%, being executed works in the area of the performance hall. At the moment, the theater in Botoșani has become the architectural gem of yesteryear, modernism and the air of the era combining perfectly. When it reopens, it will most likely be one of the most beautiful theaters in Romania.
The ceiling of the performance hall PHOTO Doina Federovici
The theater benefits from a large performance hall, with a vintage air, with very good acoustics. In addition, huge, hand-made chandeliers are also installed. In addition, the theater will be equipped with many rehearsal rooms, modern bathrooms, two elevators and many hi-tech devices that can be controlled remotely. The atmosphere is one of the beginning of the 20th century, with ornaments, statues representing the muses of the arts, but also works where gold leaf was also used. In addition, the tender was launched for the rehabilitation of the theater’s summer garden, a superb area with a terrace and outdoor stage.
