Kvadrat 500 – Sofia’s National Gallery
I’ve lived in Sofia for years, but there are still places in the city that surprise me. Last week, I finally visited the National Gallery at Kvadrat 500, and I wondered why I’d never been inside before!
Located just behind the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, it’s a beautiful building that I’ve passed countless times without really paying much attention. When I recently discovered it was home to the National Gallery, I was curious to see what was inside.
A Beautiful Building
Although Kvadrat 500 opened as part of the National Gallery in 2015, the building itself has a much longer history, dating back to the 1880s it was originally built as the State Printing House. One of the things I enjoyed most about my visit was the building itself, it’s really beautiful.
The collection brings together Bulgarian and international art, with paintings, sculptures and other interesting pieces to discover across the four floors. I particularly loved the Bulgarian artwork and the sculptures. There were some very interesting and thought provoking pieces.
What I also liked was that the gallery didn’t feel overwhelming. There’s plenty to see, but it’s easy to wander through at your own pace without feeling that you need to dedicate an entire afternoon to it.
A Lovely Addition to a Visit to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Another great thing about Kvadrat 500 is its location. It’s right behind Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of Sofia’s most famous landmarks, so it’s very easy to combine the two.
If you’re spending a day exploring central Sofia, I’d definitely recommend popping into the gallery. Allow an hour or so to enjoy the artwork and the beautiful surroundings, although you could easily spend longer if you wanted. It’s also a lovely option for a rainy day.
After all these years living in Sofia, I still love discovering places I’ve somehow overlooked, and Kvadrat 500 is definitely one I’m glad I finally visited.
Visiting Kvadrat 500
Where: 1, 19th February Street, Sofia, just behind Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–6pm. Closed Mondays.
For current admission prices, exhibitions and opening hours, visit the official National Gallery website.
