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About

The Gallery of Foreign Art in Sofia, now part of the National Gallery’s Kvadrat 500 complex, is Bulgaria’s foremost institution dedicated to non-Bulgarian art. Located on St. Alexander Nevsky Square, it occupies the former Royal Printing Office, a 19th-century Neoclassical building restored after World War II. Established in 1985, the gallery houses over 10,000 works spanning European, Asian, and African traditions. Its diverse collection includes Indian religious sculptures, Japanese ukiyo-e prints, and European paintings and engravings from the 16th to 20th centuries. Highlights include rare Christian sculptures from Goa and Mughal miniatures. The gallery’s integration into Kvadrat 500 in 2015 expanded its exhibition space and contextualized foreign works alongside Bulgarian art, offering a broader cultural dialogue. With its rich holdings and architectural elegance, the Gallery of Foreign Art invites visitors to explore global artistic heritage in the heart of Sofia.

Sofia Bulgaria

Location

The Gallery of Foreign Art, officially known as the National Gallery for Foreign Art, is located in the heart of Sofia on St. Alexander Nevsky Square, directly behind the National Assembly and just across from the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This central location makes it highly accessible and ideal for tourists, as it is within easy walking distance of many of Sofia’s most significant landmarks. Nearby, you’ll find the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Assembly, and the historic St. Sofia Church. The area is also close to the Sofia University metro station, making it convenient for visitors using public transport. The gallery itself is housed in a stately neoclassical building, formerly the Royal Printing Office, and is now part of the Square 500 museum complex, which brings together some of the city’s finest collections of Bulgarian and international art. This setting places the Gallery of Foreign Art at the center of Sofia’s cultural and historical attractions, making it a must-visit for art lovers and tourists exploring the city’s rich heritage.

Gallery of Foreign Art

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