[1] Located on Șoseaua Kiseleff, near Piața Victoriei, the museum falls under the patronage of the Romanian Ministry of Culture.

First founded in 1906 by and originally managed by Alexandru Tzigara-Samurcaș, the museum was reopened 5 February 1990, a mere six weeks after the downfall and execution of Nicolae Ceaușescu.

[2] The building, which uses traditional Romanian architectural features, was built on the former site of the State Mint (Monetăria Statului).

[5] The museum was devastated during the June 1990 Mineriad, due to being confused with the headquarters of the National Peasants' Party.

For example, from a platform, museum visitors may peer into the attic, part of whose wall is stripped away; various objects are arranged inside.