Following a complete renovation, the Ivan Vazov House Museum is once again welcoming visitors with its new exhibition, “The Vazov Family Home,” which tells the story of Ivan Vazov and his family in a contemporary and interactive way.
The official opening took place in Sopot on September 30, following nearly two and a half years of dedicated work and collaboration between the museum, Sopot Municipality, the America for Bulgaria Foundation, HORA architectural studio, donors, and partners.
The story of the Vazov family unfolds through their family life, the schoolroom and writer’s study, the creation of Under the Yoke, as well as the military conflicts and the social upheavals of the era. But the exhibition goes beyond events and dates, exploring what lies behind the remarkable lives of the Vazov family members and the values that shaped them.
As part of the project, the existing museum building was renovated and a new educational center was created for children, students, and organized groups. Here, young visitors can do more than simply learn facts about Ivan Vazov – they can discover his world through creativity, play, and personal experience.
At the official opening, Dr. Borislava Petrova, Director of the Ivan Vazov House Museum, and Nancy Schiller, President of the America for Bulgaria Foundation, highlighted the project’s historical and cultural significance and thanked everyone who contributed to making it possible.
The project was developed following an architectural and design competition organized and funded by the America for Bulgaria Foundation in partnership with the Ivan Vazov House Museum and Sopot Municipality. HORA architectural studio was selected as the winner of the competition.
The concept and content of the new exhibition were developed in close collaboration with the museum team and leading scholars of Ivan Vazov’s life and work.
“The exhibition not only tells the story of an extraordinary family; it also invites us to reflect on our own potential and the mark each of us can leave behind. We hope that young visitors’ first encounter with Vazov here will inspire a lasting curiosity about literature and Bulgarian history,” the museum team shared.
Sopot Mayor Stanislav Stoenchev described the new exhibition as a place where history will be presented in a modern and accessible way for everyone, and welcomed the students, teachers, parents, residents, and visitors who attended the opening.
For architect Andrey Hodkevich of the HORA architectural studio, whose team brought the project to life, “The Vazov Family Home” is a story about the small things that shape remarkable people and the values behind great achievements – curiosity, creativity, solidarity, and determination.
Addressing the children who will experience the exhibition, he said: “As you discover the names and achievements of the Vazov family, look for the people behind them as well. See what they loved, what they wanted to learn, how they supported one another, and how they found the strength to keep going.”
Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov, who attended the ceremony, emphasized that “the exhibition is an example of how innovation can be used in education to open up new opportunities for learning.”
Minister of Culture Evtim Miloshev recalled Kierkegaard’s reflection that to understand life, we must look back to the past, while to live it, we must look toward the future. In addressing the people of Sopot, he also highlighted their special connection to the Vazov family and its contribution to Bulgarian history and collective memory.
Thanks to the project, the building has not only been fully renovated, but its murals, exhibits, and archives have also been protected, preserving the legacy of Ivan Vazov and his family for future generations.
The project also received support from JAF, ETEM, KNAUF, Kourasanit, NIDO, and Rollplast, which contributed donated materials and services.
