Recently I had the chance to take part in a European television project that brings attention to heritage, overlooked places and the stories they carry. A report produced for the ARTE Regards series on arte.tv follows some of my urban explorations across Romania and my interest in visually documenting places that are currently in a state of transition or slow disappearance.
The report is titled Urbex in Romania – saving the vestiges and was broadcast in the January 2026 edition of the series. Over the course of thirty minutes viewers can see images filmed in Bucharest and in different regions of the country. Historic buildings, thermal baths left empty, cultural centers forgotten by the public and industrial spaces falling into disrepair. I spoke about documentary photography as a tool for observation and about the responsibility of not letting certain places fade from collective attention.
You can watch it on arte.tv as part of the ARTE Regards series. Enjoy the viewing.
Hey Alex,
Just saw the arte documentation on TV. I was in Bucharest last April and it’s really sad to see all these buildings fall apart.
Your photos are amazing! Thanks for the work you’re doing in documenting the loss of these beatiful buildings for some soulless concrete blocks… It’s making a differnce.
A fellow photographer
Hey,
Thank you for the kind message and for watching the ARTE documentary. It means a lot to hear this from someone who also pays attention to these places. It is difficult to see so many buildings neglected or emptied out, but documenting them keeps a trace and maybe opens a conversation. I appreciate you taking the time to write and I am glad the images reached you. If you ever return to Bucharest feel free to reach out. Would be happy to connect or walk the city with a camera.
Best
Alex
Hi Alex,
Just saw the ARTE episode featuring your amazing efforts towards documenting the current situation and therefore helping save out historic buildings. Great photos on your blog, looking forward to joining one of your tours in a few months time.
Best regards / Salutari,
Adrian
(Montreal, Canada)
Hi Adrian,
Thank you for the message! Documenting these places has been a long process and it helps when people see value in it. If you ever pass through Bucharest let me know. I’ll be organizing a few walks and small tours in the coming months and would be happy to have you join.
Best regards
Alex
Hi Alex,
I just finished watching the documentary on Arte. Thank you for speaking out!
I see a lot of these buildigs daily, and it’s really a pity to watch them crumble year over year.
We do need to celebrate the ones that have been saved – but I’m hoping they will become the rule, rather than the exception.
Best,
Leonard
I’ve seen this film – from one side it was very sad because of the scale of damage buildings. But from the other side it was meaningful – case from Cinema Marconi or Neptune’s Bath showed me, that you have great people in your country. I was in Bucuresti only once, for few days. I fell in love with this city! I have a hope that you and other powerful persons will drive the change for better future! And now I am a big fan of you and your photography. After watching the video, I immediately found your site, and I’ll be visiting often from now on. All the best with your work! Greetings from Poland.
Thank you so much for your kind words, they truly mean a lot to me! Bucharest has lost so much, but stories like Cinema Marconi and Neptune’s Baths give us hope that change is still possible. I’m very happy the film led you to my work, and I hope you’ll return to Bucharest someday. Warm greetings to Poland!