The National Academy of Art is marking its 130th anniversary
2026.10.06
The National Academy of Art will mark 130 years since its establishment with an academic celebration on 13 October 2026, at 6:00 pm, in the Central Military Club – Sofia, and two exhibitions dedicated to the anniversary.
The anniversary celebration is happening under the patronage of the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science.
The exhibition IN HONOREM ACADEMIAE – In Honour of the Academy will be opened on 13 October, at 4:00 pm, in Academia Gallery, 1 Shipka Street. It is curated by Assoc. Prof. Vassil Kolev, PhD, and presents works by 12 artists–representatives of the academic communities at partnering academies and universities abroad.
The artworks reflect the diversity of contemporary art and underline the role of academic environment for creative development and international exchange. With their participation, the artists salute the National Academy of Art and emphasise the importance of partnerships between art educational institutions. The exhibition will run until 15 November 2026.
From 13th to 27th October, the documentary exhibition A Photographic Journey will be presented in Crystal Garden–the open-air gallery of Sofia City Municipality. The exhibition reveals the life of the first higher education institution of art in Bulgaria – professors and students, buildings and events, atmosphere of historical eras. Through photography as a document of time, the exhibition visually traces the stages of the Academy's development. Included are documentary materials from the archives of the National Academy of Art, the State Archives Agency, the Bulgarian Historical Archive at the "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" National Library, and the Old Sofia archives.
The exhibition is realised with the assistance of Sofia City Municipality.
The exhibition projects are implemented within the framework of the 2026 Competition for Funding Projects on the Scientific Research and Artistic Activities at the National Academy of Art.
Media Partners
Bulgarian News Agency (BTA)
Bulgarian National Radio (BNR)
Downloads
- Press Release | 130 Years of National Academy of Art (BG)
- Press Release | IN HONOREM ACADEMIAE – In Honour of the Academy (BG)
- Press Release | A Photographic Journey documentary exhibition (BG)