National Academy Of Fine Arts

About the project

Location: Sofia, Bulgaria

Building type: Extension and Renovation Project

Surface: 28 800 m²

Competition: First Prize

Project: 2005–2014

The project is situated in the historical center of Sofia amid the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the National Library, the University of Sofia, the Parliament, and the Academy of Sciences. All of these important public buildings will be united around the Academy of Fine Arts to form a strong urban composition – the “Acropolis” of Sofia.

The Academy’s historic red building is a cultural monument integrated into the whole composition. The building’s heart consists of a succession of green areas, where the existing trees and vegetation are preserved. A spectacular 60-meter-long metal and glass bridge connects both wings of the faculties.

It is a public space for people of different horizons where they could appreciate both the exhibitions and the exceptional panoramic view.

The future Academy keeps its tradition, while representing a new cultural and civic center with its museum, art gallery and restaurants. The whole building is oriented towards St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral through an immense “urban window”. The roof unifies the different parts of the edifice with a movement upwards, symbolizing the strive towards spirituality and perfection.