Andrey Nikolov (1878-1959) ‘transferred’ Italy to his Sofia address. ‘The red fortress’ was built in 1929, not only as a family home, but as a creative oasis. Far from the noise of Sofia’s central streets, one can get lost in the labyrinths of entrances, exits and numerous stairs that climb up to terraces with beautiful views. The atmosphere itself encourages the creation of art with its large salons, ateliers and a foundry. The sculptor created a home that carries his temperament, in a style that is, as he himself says: ‘None at all. Mine. Naturally influenced by Italy.’ Arch. Ivan Vasilyov made the project according to the sculptor's sketches.
The National Gallery offers the opportunity to visit the house museums of distinguished figures in the history of Bulgarian art and culture from the first half of the 20th century. The sculptures of Ivan Lazarov and Andrey Nikolov, and the paintings of Nikola Tanev and Vera Nedkova are on display in the interior of their homes, where some of those works had been conceived and created.
Ivan Lazarov’s house was expropriated in 1970. Private state property.
Vera Nedkova’s apartment was bequeathed in 1995. Private state property.
Nikola Tanev’s apartment was bequeathed in 1955. Private state property.
The National Gallery also manages the following sites to be open to visitors:
Alexander Bozhinov’s house was bequeathed in 1978. Public state property.
Andrey Nikolov’s house was partially expropriated in 1974. In 1976, the sculptor’s son donated the rest. Public state property. In 2000, by a decision of the Supreme Administrative Court, parts of the property were returned to the heirs.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Friday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Closed: Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, official Bulgarian holidays
Tickets: 3 BGN
Free admission: children aged up to 12, physically disabled visitors, pupils and students of art schools, employees of museums and galleries, journalists, members of the Union of Bulgarian Artists (UBA), ICOM, ICOMOS, AIAP, AICA.
In connection with the reorganization and renovation of the exposition the house-museum “Andrey Nikolov” will be temporarily closed for visits.
Andrey Nikolov House Museum
15, Lyuben Karavelov St., Sofia