On Rater Street, No 7, in Iasi, admirers of the works of George Topirceanu, one of the most important and popular Romanian poets of the 20th century, who also influenced much of contemporary poetry. The actual house was owned by the writer Demostene Botez, who was a close friend of Topirceanu. Built at the end of the 19th century - the beginning of the 20th century, it is a simple, yet elegant structure, in that old, familiar and pleasant style that was popular in the last century.
At first, since 1919, this house hosted the literary publication "Insemnari literare", which was published by Mihail Sadoveanu and George Topirceanu, together with other important writers and artists of the day. It was a special place in the city of Iasi, a place where one could meet some of the most popular and admired intelectuals, where heated controversiei about art and writing were often born, and the place where one of the best magazines of the last century was being made. George Topirceanu moved here in 1932, when he was already a wellknown and respected author, but he will live and work here just for a few years. He died in May 1937, just 51 years old, and the house remained in the property of the Botez family. Fortunatelly, it was well preserved and retains all of it's former charm.
It was restored and the museum was opened in June 1985, as a section of the Museum for Romanian Literature in Iasi, one year before the poet's centennial. It is an interesting place, with a rich collection, the best place for those who want to understand more about the life and work of George Toparceanu. The exhibits presented in the permanent exhibition are rich and varied, ranging from books and photographs to manuscripts, newspapers and magazines, letters and documents, all accounting for an impressive and rich presentation of the poet's personality.
2008-02-08
