Culture

Introduction

Sofia certainly takes culture seriously. Ballet, opera and theatre are of very high quality and prices are low - making any cultural event in Sofia a memorable experience for visitors despite the language difficulties. 

Tickets to cultural events are available from the National Palace of Culture (NDK) or from the individual venues' box offices. To keep up to date with cultural events in Sofia, check the English-language weekly Sofia Echo (www.sofiaecho.com), the quarterly Sofia In Your Pocket (www.inyourpocket.com), the monthly booklet Programata (www.programata.bg) or the monthly Sofia City Info Guide.

Music and Dance

Natsionalen Dvorets na Kulturata (National Palace of Culture - NDK)
Sofia's official arts centre, the National Palace of Culture (NDK) is a colossal modern structure incorporating concert halls, exhibition spaces, congress facilities and the Lumière Cinema. Most major cultural events in Sofia take place here, including a good year-round programme of musical concerts (except August). Arabesque Contemporary Dance Company is a highly regarded and excellent modern dance troupe, which tours internationally and often performs at the NDK.

Ploshtad Bulgaria 1, Yuzhen Park
Tel: (02) 916 6300 or 6369 (tickets).
Website: www.ndk.bg

Natsionalna Opera i Balet (Sofia National Opera and Ballet)
Sofia National Opera and Ballet hosts the main opera and ballet performances in one of Sofia's most impressive buildings. Operas are usually performed in the original language, with Bulgarian subtitles. The foyers, balconies and main hall are painted with scenes from various well-known operas.

Ulitsa Vrabcha 1
Tel: (02) 987 7011.
Website: www.operasofia.bg 

Zala Bulgaria (Bulgaria Hall)
Bulgaria Hall, also housing the smaller Chamber Hall, is the top venue for symphonic concerts in Sofia. Home to the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, it has excellent acoustics and boasts a showpiece pipe organ.

Ulitsa Aksakov 1
Tel: (02) 987 7656.
Website: www.nsobg.com

Theatre

Kuklen Teatar (Central Puppet Theatre)
Sofia is famous for a sophisticated puppet tradition and it is not all geared for children - the Central Puppet Theatre gives regular performances for all ages.

Ulitsa General Gurko 14
Tel: (02) 986 1573.
Website www.sofiapuppet.com

Naroden Teatar Ivan Vazov (Ivan Vazov National Theatre)
The traditional theatre season in Sofia runs from early October to late June. Plays are staged in Bulgarian but the high standard of the performances make a visit to the theatre a memorable experience. Ivan Vazov National Theatre is an impressive neoclassical building and home to the National Theatre Company. Works by eminent Bulgarians and classical writers are staged here.

Ulitsa Dyakon Ignatiy 5
Tel: (02) 811 9227.
Website: www.nationaltheatre.bg