The National History Museum presents immersive space “The Scars of War: The Lost Architectural Heritage of Sofia”.

With sensory impulses, authentic video footage, photo archives and emblematic exhibits, the visitor will be “immersed” in the period before and during the bombings, will wander through the calm and beautiful pre-war Sofia, will witness the devastating blow that war inflicted on the city and will experience the fate of the hundreds people who lost their homes. The memories of eyewitnesses, recreated by famous Bulgarian actors will complete the narrative about some of the most dramatic days of the Bulgarian capital.

The project “The Scars of War: The Lost Architectural Heritage of Sofia” was brought to life in partnership with the Bulgarian National Film Archives, and funded by the “Culture” program of Sofia Municipality.

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MILITARY HISTORY PRESENTS THE EXHIBITION “SOFIA – CAPITAL OF UNIFIED BULGARIA”

Тhe exhibition “Sofia – Capital of Unified Bulgaria” focuses on the role of Sofia as epicentre for the decisions which rendered the dream for the unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia possible. The exhibition narrative highlights the act of the Unification and its military defence; the role of diplomacy and of the efforts of the institutions in Sofia; the growth of the town into a capital of unified Bulgaria – a central of all state institutions and a unifying heart for the Bulgarians in the Principality of Bulgaria and in Eastern Rumelia. The exhibition presents exhibits – symbols of the dream for unification. Among them are regulation colours and volunteerunits’ banners, under the folds of which Bulgarians defended at once the cause of the Unification, and Sofia – Serbian forces’ immediate objective.

Personal belongings of Prince Alexander I, of the Speaker of the National Assembly Stefan Stambolov, of the Prime Minister Petko Karavelov, of the Minister of Justice Vasil Radoslavov, of the Minister of War Captain Konstantin Nikiforov, and others, frame Sofia’s efforts towards a swift administrative and legislative integration and towards the transformation of the capital into a centre of Unified Bulgaria.

A specially developed touch-screen application rediscovers Sofia’s place in the events from 135 years ago, focusing on the role of institutions, public buildings, and private homes of the capital’s urban environment.

Тhe exhibition will run till February 28, 2022. Tickets at the ticket-desk of National Museum of Military History.

The exhibition is realized in partnership with the Regional History Museum – Sofia, Directorate of Museums– Koprivshtitsa, and Stefan Noykov Foundation, within the “Sofia – Capital of Unified Bulgaria” project, funded by the “Culture” programme of Sofia Municipality.

Image: National Museum of Military History