Museum
"Mihai Eminescu" Central University Library of Iasi
"Mihai Eminescu" Central University Library of Iasi is a museum.
About "Mihai Eminescu" Central University Library of Iasi
Overview & Identity
The Mihai Eminescu Central University Library of Iași (Romanian: Biblioteca Centrală Universitară "Mihai Eminescu" Iași) serves as the primary academic library for the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University and the broader academic community in Iași, Romania. Established in 1839 and officially opened in 1841, the institution carries on the tradition of the earlier Academia Vasiliană library founded in 1640. It functions as a major cultural and educational hub, holding over 2.5 million volumes, including manuscripts, incunabula, and rare books. The library is named after the renowned Romanian poet Mihai Eminescu, who served as its chief librarian, alongside the scholar Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu.
History & Founding
The institution's origins trace back to 1835 as the Library of the Mihăileană Academy, functioning with a dual character as both a school and public library. In 1860, following the transformation of the academy into the University of Iași, it became the Central University Library. Its status fluctuated, becoming the Central State Library in 1864 before reverting to its university character in 1916. After World War II, the library moved into its current residence in 1950, merging with the collections of the King Ferdinand I Foundation. This consolidation created the modern entity known today, preserving a continuous lineage of academic and public service spanning nearly two centuries.
Building & Architecture
The library's imposing current building was constructed between 1930 and 1934 in the Neoclassical style, designed by architect Constantin Jotzu with engineering by Emil Prager. The structure was commissioned as a symbolic reward for Iași's essential role in defending the nation during World War I. The façade is crafted from Ruse stone and features Ionic columns, Neo-Doric pilasters, small triangular pediments, and medallions depicting important figures of national culture. Originally, statues of Moldavian princes were intended for the columns, but their weight necessitated relocation, resulting in the nearby Voivodes' Statuary Group. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Monuments.
Interior & Notable Rooms
The interior is distinguished by luxurious decorations, including Carrara marble and Venetian mosaics representing various effigies of Romania. A monumental stairway leads to the upper levels, guarded by a statue of King Ferdinand I, commemorating his role in the Great Union of 1918. Key rooms include the Assembly Hall, renowned for its acoustics and a royal balcony, and the "B. P. Hașdeu" Hall, which features a balcony oriented toward Mihai Eminescu Square. The building also houses a Cupola, formerly used as an observation point, offering exceptional panoramic views of the city. The ground floor hosts cultural spaces such as the German Cultural Centre Reading Room and the British Council.
Collection Highlights & Notable Holdings
The library's collection has grown from an initial 600 volumes to over 2.5 million items, including manuscripts, incunabula, and rare books acquired through donations and purchases from monastic and private libraries. Among the most significant holdings is the "Evangel with the Coresi teaching," a rare book bearing illustrious signatures. The collection also includes materials from the former King Ferdinand I Foundation library. The institution preserves a vast thesaurus of valuable works, serving as a critical repository for Romanian cultural heritage and academic research, with specific sections dedicated to reading and depositing these rare materials.
Significance & Legacy
The library stands as a dominant element of Mihai Eminescu Square and a symbol of Iași's resilience and cultural importance. Its establishment and the construction of its current building were deeply tied to Romania's national history, particularly the events of World War I and the Great Union of 1918. The presence of the statue of Mihai Eminescu at the entrance, which replaced a monument destroyed in World War II, underscores its dedication to national literary heritage. Beyond its archival role, the library actively organizes events, charitable concerts, poetry evenings, and exhibitions, functioning as a vital center for education and cultural dissemination in the region.