The Bulgarian capital
is packed with cultural
experiences, from artists
collectives and dance
performances to grand
nights at the opera
Modern marvels
Soia ofers no shortage of grand historic
buildings — the Bulgarian Orthodox
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral being a
particular highlight with its striking
Byzantine architecture and sage-green
domes. But look beyond the city’s classical
landmarks and you’ll ind a blossoming
modern arts scene that’s worth seeking out.
High on any art lover’s list should
be SWIMMING POOL, a city-centre arts
space located on a rootop with an empty
1930s pool. The calendar here is diverse:
exhibitions, performances, screenings
and events are held here, with a rolling
programme of work including discussions
and talks in this very cool space.
swimmingpoolprojects.org
For art with a heart, check out THE
FRIDGE, which supports young artists and
encourages participation in the arts. Works
and performances include contemporary
dance, experimental music, ilm screenings
and workshops. thefridgelab.comThere’s also AETHER — this independent,
experimental space was founded in 2016
with the intention of engaging local and
international artists in collective projects.
For those interested in movements like
microsociety and how art and history
can shape our ideas, this is a must-visit.
aethersofia.wixsite.com/artspace
THE INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART is
just outside the city centre on the irst loor
of a residential house and well worth heading
out of town for. It’s a vibrant and fun place
to visit, with a clutch of artists’ studios, plus
exhibition space with work from upcoming
and prominent Bulgarian artists. ica-sofia.org
For something a little diferent, WATER
TOWER ART RESIDENCY isn’t exactly a gallery,
but an annual international event that
uses abandoned buildings throughout the
city, aiming to draw public attention to
the immediate environment. It’s run by an
artist collective, with a programme of public
events. Dates for this year’s events are yet to
be announced. watertowerartfest.comS ofia
LIKE A LOCAL
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