In Sofia City Art Gallery also known as the National Art Gallery of Bulgaria, houses an outstanding collection of paintings and artifacts. The gallery was developed in the year 1928. Vladimir Vazov, who was the Mayor of Sofia at that time, signed a decree on 22nd October, by which this art museum in Sofia was set up. Currently, the Sofia Art Gallery houses as many as 8,500 collections across an area of 1,100 square metres. These include 800 statues, 3500 paintings and 2800 graphics and drawings.
The Sofia City Art Gallery was initially built with three different sectors – a museum, an archive and a library. A picture gallery was later added. The recent addition to these was the Contemporary Art and Photography
|
department, which was set up in 2004. In 1941, the museum was moved to a new building, where it became the first permanent picture gallery of Bulgaria. The Sofia City Art Gallery was moved to the former city casino in 1973.
The Sofia Art Gallery became an autonomous institution in the year 1952. It remains open for the public on six days a week - from Tuesday to Sunday. The tourists can visit the museum between Tuesday and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. On Sunday, the working hours is from 11 am to 5 pm. The main aim of the Art Gallery at Sofia is to maintain, conserve and study art heritage of Bulgaria. The museum also organizes several exhibitions every year.
|
