Built between 1931 and 1935, the Casino in Eforie Sud was conceived as a focal point of the seaside’s social and cultural life. The architect Arta Cerchez, son-in-law of Ioan Movilă, the resort’s founder, designed the building in an elegant Art Deco style, typical of the inter-war period. In its time, the casino hosted balls, concerts and meetings of the elite of the time, attracting tourists from all over the country. The gaming room, the elegant terrace overlooking the sea and the sumptuous halls were the places where the aristocracy and influential people of the time spent their evenings. Sadly, years of neglect and lack of investment have led to the building falling into disrepair and now awaiting a savior.
If the Casino in Constanta has had a spectacular renaissance through an extensive restoration process, then the Casino in Eforie Sud deserves the same fate. It is sad to see such an architectural jewel, a symbol of inter-war elegance, end up being put up for sale instead of being saved and returned to the community. This building is not just a mere real estate property, but a part of the identity of the Romanian seaside, a place that once vibrated with life, music and refinement.