Ivan Vazov National Theatre

Sofia, Bulgaria

The Ivan Vazov National Theatre is Bulgaria's national theatre, as well as the oldest and most authoritative theatre in the country and one of the important landmarks of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It is located in the centre of the city, with the facade facing the City Garden.

Founded in 1904 by the artists from the Salza i Smyah company, it was initially called simply the National Theatre, but before being named after the prominent writer Ivan Vazov it also bore the name of Krastyu Sarafov between 1952 and 1962. Vazov's play The Outcasts was the first to be performed at the theatre when it opened. The theatre's Neoclassical building, designed by famous Viennese theatre architects Hermann Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner, was finished in 1906 and opened on 3 January 1907. The building was extensively damaged by a fire in 1923 during an anniversary celebration, but was reconstructed in 1929 by German architect Martin Dülfer.

A theatrical school was established as part of the National Theatre in 1925. The bombing of Sofia in World War II caused considerable damage to the building, but it was reconstructed in 1945. Another reconstruction followed in 1971–1975, and a restoration project was implemented in 2006.

The Ivan Vazov National Theatre has a well-equipped main stage with 750 seats, a smaller 120-seat stage and an additional 70-seat one on the fourth floor.

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Details

Founded: 1904
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Bulgaria

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

J • B • (9 months ago)
Love this building and its stunning Neo-Baroque architecture. It is situated in the very center of Sofia and is considered the symbol of Bulgarian arts and literature! Absolutely beautiful, especially during the summer when the fountains work! The interior is equally impressive with all the ornate details. Highly recommended that you book your tickets ahead of time if you decide to attend a performance. This is beyond a cultural experience!
Seah Shao Jun Nigel (10 months ago)
The national theatre of Bulgaria. I didn't have a chance to check out the interior because of a tight schedule and also the fact that the performances are in Bulgarian which I don't understand. But this shouldn't deter would-be visitors to check out this gorgeous building. You can spend some time walking outside the building and also the park in front. The building itself is beautiful in different ways during daytime and nighttime. Also there happened to be a concert nearby when I was there. There were many locals both enjoying the music as well as sitting at the park benches. All in all, recommended to spend an hour or 2 here to rest and also take in the great energy from this place.
Anna Bozhilova (12 months ago)
Of course, it's an important and meaningful place for us bulgarians presenting old beautiful architecture, stylish interior and great unforgettable plays! My only complaint though is that there are 3 more rows of seats in front of the 1st row in the main hall (that are not listed nor shown in the website when you are buying tickets) intended for special guests. And you can buy tickets for the 1st row (which are generally more expensive), not knowing people may still sit in front of you, hiding the stage.
CK Cheong (13 months ago)
Beautiful impressive building, National Theatre of Sofia. There is a nice park outside with fountain and the works.
Rahela Petrescu (15 months ago)
I don't know what I like best: the park in front of the theatre, the architecture of the building or the interiors. I wish I had the opportunity to watch a play there. Also, the restaurant inside the theatre has great food and view.
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