History

The Order of Cultural Merit was established by King Carol II in 1931. It was suppressed in 1944 and was not awarded after the abolition of the Romanian monarchy until it was reinstated in 2000 following the collapse of the communist regime.

The Order is conferred upon Romanian citizens and foreigners in recognition of achievements in a variety of cultural fields. From 1931-1944 it was awarded in nine different categories for merit in science, education, the National Guard, scouting and sport, social welfare, literature, music and theatre, religion, and general culture. It is currently awarded for merit in literature, music, fine arts, performance arts, national heritage, religion, scientific research, architecture, and the promotion of culture. The categories have always been denoted by different ribbons.

Membership in the Grand Officer grade is limited to 50 members for merit in literature, 40 members for merit in music, 50 members for merit in fine arts, 50 members for merit in performance arts, 50 members for merit in national heritage, 50 members for merit in the promotion of culture, 50 members for merit in religion, 50 members for merit in scientific research, and 40 members for merit in architecture.

The Grand Officer features a reverse inscription that translates to "Cultural Merit." It is identical to the third model Commander, however, the only the Grand Officer is worn with a Breast Star.

The earlier decorations are listed in the Orders of the Kingdom of Romania (1881-1947). See also the Medal of Cultural Merit in the Medals & Decorations of the Kingdom of Romania (1881-1947) and the Romania (1990-) for the medal that was created alongside this Order.