National Oil Museum

A Century of Romanian Oil History

The National Oil Museum in Ploiești is the only museum of its kind in Romania and a landmark of the national petroleum industry. Inaugurated on October 8, 1961, the museum was created to mark the centenary of the Romanian oil industry, celebrated in 1957. The building that houses it, located at 8 Dr. Bagdasar Street, is an architectural gem that accommodates both indoor exhibition halls and an outdoor courtyard transformed into an open-air display.

Heritage and Remarkable Exhibits

The museum's collection has grown significantly since its inauguration, expanding from 800 items in 1961 to over 8,000 by 1994. Among the most valuable exhibits are a scale model of the first mechanical drilling rig used in Romania and a model of the "gas factory" built in 1856 by the Mehedințeanu brothers at the Rafov barrier. The museum also displays 19th-century miner’s tools and lamps, as well as kerosene lanterns that illuminated Bucharest in 1859—the first city in the world lit by this fuel. Visitors can admire wooden and metal drilling equipment from the same era, or the horse-powered "hecna," a symbol of early technology.

A special section is dedicated to Romanian innovations, such as the selective solvent system using sulfur dioxide, invented by Lazăr Edeleanu and applied worldwide. The exhibition includes panels showcasing the evolution of paraffin, oil, and gasoline production, alongside geological maps, mineralogical samples, diplomas, medals, and photographs that complete the story of the oil industry.

Visitor Guide

The museum is open to the public and offers a fascinating journey through the history of Romanian oil, from the earliest exploitations to modern technologies. The outdoor exhibition, arranged in the building’s courtyard, complements the visitor experience with large-scale machinery and installations. Access is easy, as the museum is located in central Ploiești, and the visiting schedule can be checked on the official website or by direct contact. A must-visit for enthusiasts of industrial and technical history.