The Inauguration of Romania’s House in Paris ahead of the Olympic Games

In anticipation of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Romanian Embassy in France has prepared various events to celebrate Romania’s participation. The centrepiece of these celebrations is the inauguration of the House of Romania at the Béhague Palace. This historic and beautifully restored venue will be a hub of Romanian culture and hospitality during the Games.

A Historic Venue: The Béhague Palace

The Béhague Palace, a magnificent heritage building and the headquarters of the Romanian Embassy in Paris has undergone extensive restoration to prepare for this grand event. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE), in partnership with the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee (COSR), has invested significantly in rehabilitating the palace and its garden. This transformation has resulted in a splendid venue honouring Romanian athletes and the nation’s cultural heritage.

Celebrating Romanian Heritage and Olympism with a Rich Program of Events

The Romanian Ambassador to France highlighted the significance of this event, noting that it marks a historical moment for Romania. Precisely 100 years ago, Romania won its first Olympic medal in Paris with the rugby team. This centenary is being celebrated with a series of events that honour past achievements and inspire future generations of athletes and sports enthusiasts.

The House of Romania will host a diverse range of activities, including:

• Exhibitions: The inaugural event features a photo exhibition from the Agerpres archive, dedicated to the history of Romanian Olympism over the past century. This includes Romania’s first Olympic diploma and a silver coin issued by the National Bank of Romania to commemorate the centenary.
• Art and Culture: The Béhague Palace garden, now fully restored, will display a statuary ensemble and serve as a backdrop for various cultural exhibitions. One notable exhibition is “Olympic Games in the Imagination of Children,” awarded by the International Olympic Committee.
• Performances: The Romanian Olympic season starts with a concert by the Bucharest National Opera at Versailles, setting the tone for a series of cultural events.
• Film Screenings: The documentary film “Ivan – the Man with Roots in the Waters,” which celebrates the life of Romanian canoeist Ivan Patzaichin, will be shown as part of the cultural program.

Honoring Romanian Athletes

The Romanian champions will be honoured in a series of official ceremonies hosted at the House of Romania. This includes the establishment of an Olympic studio, which will provide a platform to celebrate the athletes’ achievements and share their stories with the world.

Open Doors and Guided Tours

In a gesture of inclusivity and hospitality, the House of Romania will open its doors to Romanians and foreigners. Visitors can register through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites or the Romanian Embassy in Paris to partake in guided tours of the palace and its garden. These tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and architectural splendour of the Béhague Palace.

The inauguration of the House of Romania at the Béhague Palace is more than a celebration of Romania’s participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. It is a tribute to the enduring spirit of Romanian Olympism and a showcase of the country’s cultural and historical heritage.

Through a comprehensive program of events, exhibitions, and performances, the Romanian Embassy in France, supported by the MAE and COSR, has created a vibrant space honouring past achievements, celebrating present endeavours, and inspiring future generations.