About this activity

Knowing the best spots for insight into Bulgaria’s socialist past can be difficult. Visit the Museum of Socialist Art for insight into the People's Republic of Bulgaria, and get an intimate look at examples of socialist realism, political sculptures, and archival footage from the era. Avoid disappointment with advanced booking, and benefit from regular opening hours to visit at a time that suits you.

Over 70 works of monumental sculpture are exhibited in a park covering 7,500 sq.m. On a special pedestal, the large five-pointed star that once crowned the former Party House in the centre of Sofia is on display. In a hall of an area of 550 sq. m., temporary exhibitions based on a content and thematic principle show present ideological forms of art. Archival and documentary films are projected in a video room.

A large outdoor sculpture park has everything from the giant statue of Lenin that once stood in the centre of the city to the red star that topped the Socialist party headquarters. Smaller pieces reveal a gentler side to the Socialist ideals. The gallery inside has some excellent examples of 20th century modern art as well as the Socialist Realism genre we know from the period.

After your visit at the museum, the shop offers catalogues and a variety of promotional materials and souvenirs.

Highlights:

See authentic artifacts, including over 70 socialist sculptures.
Guarantee entrance and avoid disappointment with advanced booking.
Stroll the large exhibition grounds for a break from the busy city.
Gain insight into the role of art in political ideology.

Please note: This tour does not include hotel pick up and drop off service. This means that you will have to arrange your own transfers to reach the designated meeting point and start the tour. Meeting point: Museum of Socialist art, ul. "Lachezar Stanchev" 7, Sofia, 1756