The Arad Casino, Restored to Its Former Glory
The Old Casino in Arad is a historic monument built around 1872 in an eclectic style with strong Neo-Baroque and Neoclassical influences; it quickly became a hotspot for the high society and a popular leisure destination in Arad. Today, the building houses a luxury restaurant where events ranging from weddings and baptisms to coming-of-age parties and corporate events can be held.
Arad Casino
A Brief History of the Arad Casino
The Old Casino, as the locals call it, is located near the banks of the Mureș River and has been the heart of the social and cultural life of Arad’s elite for decades. Over the years, this building has housed a casino, an exhibition hall, and an event hall. The venue has hosted lavish balls, shows, concerts, and gala receptions. In 1890, the building even hosted a large agro-industrial exhibition where the famous Timișoreana Beer received a bronze award.
Unfortunately, the name of the architect who designed this building is unknown, but it is known that 11 specialists and craftsmen of the time from the Austro-Hungarian Empire contributed to its construction. At that time, the “Little Vienna” architectural style was extremely popular, and the project was financed and commissioned as a public and social space for the city’s elite.
During the interwar period, the casino retained its exclusive status. After 1947, with the establishment of the communist regime in Romania, gambling was outlawed, and the building was converted into the Youth Cultural Center.
After 1990, the property was returned to its former owners and has had several owners over the years. For many years, the building stood unused, becoming a shelter for the homeless, and was vandalized and left to fall into disrepair by state authorities.
The building was restored from its state of ruin in 2018 thanks to the Ghinea family of entrepreneurs (owners of the Arsat industrial group), who took over the historic monument and integrated it into a large-scale urban revitalization project for the area.
The Old Casino
You’re probably curious about what went on here back when this place was actually a casino. Well, only members of high society were allowed into these luxurious, opulent halls—local aristocrats, imperial officers, and likely the wealthy of that era—merchants, traders, and large landowners. They played baccarat, roulette, and whist, and the attire of those granted access here was impeccable, in keeping with the times.
Unfortunately, the era when gambling took place here came to an end with the establishment of communism.
Some architectural details of the building
The exterior architecture features symmetrical facades, Corinthian pilasters (colonnades) with intricate capitals, and richly ornamented stucco work with plaster elements. The entrances and windows have a vaulted design specifically created to allow more natural light into the building. The building consists of several halls: the Baroque Hall, the Royal Hall, and the Grand Hall. As you can probably imagine, the building features numerous architectural and ornamental details, such as carved floral motifs.
The Latest Restoration
The restoration of the Old Casino in Arad involved restoring over 5,000 elements to their original form.
A team of nearly 60 specialists from across the country worked day in and day out for two years, using traditional restoration methods, to preserve as much of the building’s original elements as possible, both inside and out.
Led by Professor Anamaria Baciu—a restorer certified by the Ministry of Culture who also coordinated the restoration of the Palace of Culture in Arad—the Old Casino has regained its former charm.
To avoid altering the historic structure, ingenious technical solutions were implemented—such as avoiding the installation of a heavy chandelier on the fragile historic ceiling of the Royal Salon, opting instead for discreet, modern light fixtures specially commissioned in Venice and crafted from fine Murano glass.
Conclusion
It is heartening that this exceptionally beautiful monument has been restored to Arad’s urban landscape thanks to some generous and enterprising individuals who did not allow this architectural gem to fall into oblivion.
Sources: vechiulcazinou.ro, Wikipedia, rida.ro, aradcityguide.ro
