National Bank of Romania facts for kids
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BNR Palace on Doamnei Street
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| Headquarters | Bucharest |
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| Established | April 1880 |
| Ownership | 100% state ownership |
| Governor | Mugur Isărescu |
| Central bank of | Romania |
| Currency | Romanian leu RON (ISO 4217) |
| Reserves |  €59.770 billion (December 2023) |
| Bank rate | 1.25 |
| Website | www.bnro.ro |
The National Bank of Romania (called Banca Națională a României or BNR in Romanian) is like the main bank for the country of Romania. It was started in April 1880. Its main office is in Bucharest, the capital city.
This bank is in charge of printing and managing Romania's money, called the Romanian leu. It also helps set the country's money rules, keeps the national money safe, and manages how the Romanian leu is exchanged with other currencies.
Contents
History of the National Bank
The very first leader of the bank was Ion Câmpineanu. Another important person linked to the bank was Eugeniu Carada. He helped create the bank and was chosen as a director. However, he never became the main leader, known as the Governor.
In 1916, during World War I, Romania was invaded. To keep them safe, many valuable items from the National Bank of Romania were sent to Moscow. These items, known as the Romanian Treasure, were never fully returned. Only a few things came back, like some old gold items, a coin collection, some paintings, and old documents.
The Bank's Buildings
The Old BNR Palace
The main building of the National Bank of Romania on Lipscani Street is a very grand and large bank building. It is now a protected historical and art monument. It was built where an old inn used to be.
In 1882, two architects, Cassien Bernard and Albert Galleron, were asked to design the BNR Palace. The building was constructed between 1884 and 1890. It has a mix of styles from the late 1800s, with some classic elements. Architect Nicolae Cerchez led the building work.
The New BNR Palace
The newer part of the BNR Palace, facing Doamnei Street, was built during World War II. Its construction started in 1937 and finished between 1942 and 1944. Architect Ion Davidescu was in charge of this project.
This building shows a classic style with modern touches, popular between the two World Wars. It has impressive granite stairs and huge Corinthian columns on its front. Inside, there are large halls covered in white marble.
What the Bank Does
The National Bank of Romania has several important jobs:
- It decides and carries out the rules for money and how the Romanian leu is exchanged with other currencies.
- It checks and guides other banks to make sure they are safe and work well. This helps keep the country's money system stable.
- It prints and puts out all the banknotes and coins used in Romania.
- It sets the rules for exchanging money and makes sure these rules are followed.
- It manages Romania's official money reserves, which are like the country's savings.
Gallery
- National Bank of Romania
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See also
In Spanish: Banco Nacional de Rumania para niños
- Economy of Romania
- Romanian leu
- Romanian Treasure, valuable items (like gold) sent to Russia for safekeeping in 1916 during World War I, which have not yet been returned (as of 2025).
- List of central banks
