The Best Art Museums And Galleries In Bulgaria

Bulgarian art has been flourishing the last two centuries, starting with church frescoes and murals in the homes of the wealthy, followed by the world art trends with a local flair added to them, in which artists are looking for their place on the international art scene. If you are an art aficionado, here is a list of some of the best museums and galleries for both classical and contemporary artists.

1. National Art Gallery, Sofia

Art Gallery, Museum

The National Art Gallery is where you can see works by some of the greatest Bulgarian painters and sculptors and exhibitions of international artists. Its collection was founded back in 1892 and today holds more than 30,000 works of art. The gallery is housed in the ex-palace (Bulgaria had a tsar until 1945, and this was his residence).

2. Kvadrat 500, Sofia

Art Gallery, Museum

Kvadrat 500 is a branch of the National Art Gallery open since 2015 that presents works of art from their collections. In 28 halls on four floors, you can see works of art from local and international artists, including Asian, African, and American. A different topic is represented every month with a spotlight on local and world-renowned artists.

3. Zlatyu Boyadzhiev House Museum, Plovdiv

Museum

Zlatyu Boyadzhiev is another prominent Bulgarian artist who has created a whole fairy-tale world in his paintings. He depicted the everyday life of Bulgarians in bright colors and contrasting emotions. The best place to get to know him better is the house museum dedicated to his life in Plovdiv’s Old Town.

4. Art Gallery Philippopolis, Plovdiv

Art Gallery, Museum

Art Gallery Philippopolis is a private art center emphasizing Bulgarian art from both the Communist era and recent years. It comprises a gallery, a museum, a hotel, and a restaurant in the otherworldly atmosphere of the Old Town of Plovdiv. Collectors will find a treasure trove of painting of Bulgarian artists, a true history book of the local art.

5. The Museum House of Humor and Satire, Gabrovo

Museum

This museum is dedicated to humor ,and to the humor of the people of the town of Gabrovo in particular, known all over Bulgaria for their extra frugality bordering on stinginess. The Humor House, however, has a rich collection of humoristic works of art from all over the world exploring what is funny in different places on our planet.