The European Capital of Culture in 2023 is Timisoara
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Our usual cultural landscape, which includes the George Enescu Music Festival and Art Encounters Biennial is much more intense and diverse this year, Today marks the Opening of the 2023 Timișoara European Capital of Culture Programme.
Timișoara is the capital city of the historical region of Banat. It is an old city that has been under the Hungarian, Ottoman and Austrian domination for centuries. The first written documents about its existence are from the XII century. This cultural heritage, Saxon architecture and traditions that are very much alive today, will be honoured and brought into the public eye.
It’s been sixteen years since the first and only other time a city in Romania, Sibiu was designated a capital of culture. Much like Timișoara, Sibiu is one of the great seven Saxon cities in the country. Timișoara is every bit as diverse as Sibiu, if not more so. This year you’ll be able to discover a mix of Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern European cultures in Timișoara.
Discover Romanian Art History and Cultural Heritage during the European Capital of Culture programme
Throughout the year, there are many exciting programs and activities to choose from. They showcase the rich cultural heritage of Timișoara. June is the best month to really immerse yourself in this heritage. In June Timișoara will be hosting the Huniade Castle Medieval Festival, as well as the Spotlight Heritage Exhibition.
Whether you’re interested in music, theater, dance, or visual arts, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Highlights of the programme include the exhibition dedicated to surrealist painter Victor Brauner. The culminating event is the grandest exhibition dedicated to Constantin Brâncuși ever hosted in Romania, in September.
Get to know the best contemporary artists in one of the European Capitals of Culture
Fortunately, Romania is at the forefront of contemporary art and the best of it will be presented during the 2023 Timișoara European Capital of Culture Programme.
Many of the contemporary art events will be taking place in the Fabric district, the former industrial neighbourhood of the city. The small industry that began to emerge here in the eighteenth century, especially dozens of mills, were helped by the natural branches of the Bega river that were running in the district.
You can discover many exhibitions here during the Art Encounters Biennial, as well as internationally acclaimed artists. Filmmaker and Golden Bear Berlinale winner Adina Pintilie is bringing her exhibition here. “You are another me – A cathedral of the body” is coming straight from the 59th International Venice Biennale.
All that jazz, which you can listen to in July at the JAZZx festival, and many, many other events are happening this year. Discover some highlights here and drop us a line for personalised recommendations.
