Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Unique photo archive shows Sofia during the 1970s

Photo: visualarchive.bg

What did Sofia look like in the 1970s? This question is answered by the photo exhibition "Sofia Stop '70" featuring archival images by the renowned Bulgarian photographer Panayot Burnev. The exhibition will open at the Dot Sofia gallery on September 3and will mark the beginning of a series of events focused on exploring and documenting the area where the gallery is located, specifically ''Old Sofia'', Vazrazhdane District and the Women's Market (Zhenski Pazar).


Visitors will have the opportunity to see some of the most narrative photos of the renowned photographer, who worked for many years in the Boyana Film Studios. His photo tour started in 1975 from the Central Railway Station, passed through the emblematic places of the capital city including Lion's Bridge, Georgi Kirkov Boulevard, Zhdanov Street, Banya Bashi Mosque, the Central Universal Store (TSUM), Lenin Square (present St Nedelya Square) and ended near Stamboliiski Boulevard, said Tihomir Stoyanov who is one of the curators of the exhibition.


In addition to the architectural landscape of Sofia, the photographs also capture the social life of the time. We see many people on the streets- in a hurry, shopping, passing by each other. ''Visitors will feel the dynamics of the city, its pulse as it was in the 1970s", Tihomir Stoyanov told BNR.


 The exhibition is organized in collaboration with the Bulgarian Visual Archive and Kinoclub Super 8 and will be on display until October 5.

See also:


Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

The sounds of Balkan rhythms and passionate flamenco warmed the hearts of the Bulgarian community in Washington.

The Bulgarian Embassy hosted the second concert of the 17th season of the Bulgarian Music Society in Washington.  On 14 November, guests enjoyed a unique show by two world-class artists, both originally from Bulgaria: Desi Jordanoff, a folk dance master,..

published on 11/18/25 4:23 PM

AI helps personalise learning in Bulgarian schools

Generation Z students (born 1995–2012) are widely using artificial intelligence in their learning, with teachers reporting that more than 85% complete homework and study with the help of digital assistants. Children tend to see AI as a partner..

published on 11/17/25 3:50 PM

Christmas is possible as early as November – Sofia in lights, bazaars and festive coziness

This year, Christmas has "arrived" in Sofia as early as November with the aroma of mulled wine, cinnamon and festive magic. Radio Bulgaria recommends that you visit some Christmas spots in the Bulgarian capital city: For those most impatient to..

published on 11/17/25 3:08 PM