Ion Popescu‑Voitești Memorial House Bălănești

The Ion Popescu‑Voitești Memorial House, located in the village of Voiteștii din Vale, Bălănești commune, Gorj County, is a historic and cultural landmark dedicated to the life and legacy of renowned Romanian geologist Ion Popescu‑Voitești (1876–1944). Built between 1938 and 1941 under the guidance of Austrian architect Iulius Doppelreiter, the house features a distinctive Neo-Romanian architectural style, with two levels, a brick terrace on the ground floor, a wooden terrace upstairs, and an elegant internal staircase connecting them.

Converted into a memorial museum in 1976, the site showcases an impressive collection of minerals and fossils gathered by the scientist during his field research, along with original documents, photographs, and manuscripts highlighting his significant contributions to Romanian geology. Visitors can also explore the geologist’s original photographic equipment, personal belongings such as his cane and retirement desk, and household items once used by the Voitești family.

As a leading academician, Ion Popescu‑Voitești served as the head of the Geological Institute of Romania and delivered over 140 scientific presentations at international conferences. Recently restored, the memorial house now stands as a key tourist and educational destination in Gorj County, preserving the memory of one of Romania’s greatest geologists while promoting the study of natural sciences.