One of the emblematic buildings downtown Sofia, built during the 80s of the 19th century to the designs of Vienna architect Friedrich Schwanberg, is to become the host of two rich gallery collections. The first is that of the National Gallery for Foreign Art, which has been situated in the building since the 80s of the 20th century and the second collection is that of the National Art Gallery, situated in the former royal palace in the city, which does not have enough room for all the paintings. Initially the building of architect Schwanberg served as the Royal Printing Office. Later it was reconstructed after suffering significant damage during the bombing of Sofia in the Second World War. During the 20th century part of the building was temporarily used by the Technical University in Sofia. Some 15 years ago the work on a project called National Museum Complex began. Seven Bulgarian ministers of culture have actually worked on this project. Under the project the wing where the Gallery for Foreign Art is situated was renovated. The eastern and northern wings of the building were also reconstructed. Work continues on the southern wing. In the internal yard a water mirror can be seen and sculptures are expected to be put on display there soon.

It is expected that the complex will open doors in the autumn. Associate professor Boris Danailov, adviser to the Minister of Culture Petar Stoianovic told Radio Bulgaria more about the implementation of the project.

“Speaking about technical realization the building is in accordance to the best European practices. Modern technologies were used in relation to communications, security, air-conditioning, and humidity. I do not have any fears about the quality of implementation and this museum meets all modern requirements.”

The complex will include galleries for permanent and temporary exhibitions, facilities with appropriate conditions for storage of art works, restoration studios, administrative offices, and a conference center. 

The Glavbolgarstroi Company, which has rich experience in Bulgaria and abroad, implements the project. Challenges were many – says engineer Tinka Evstatieva, Deputy Executive Director of the company. “It is easy to start construction from scratch but the case is different when you need to transform a building that used to have a completely different purpose. This is a true challenge for designers and engineers."

People have started calling the building the ‘Bulgarian Louvre’ but now it is looking for an official name. That is why the Ministry of Culture has organized a competition. Moreover, placing the collections of two galleries under one roof will enable visitors to search for parallels in the development of local and foreign art. The number of visitors is expected to rise as they will be able to see the works of talented Bulgarian and foreign authors, as well as rare art works such as sculptures from Africa and from the Indian state of Goa.

English: Alexander Markov