Partnerships and Communities for Cultural Heritage: The Upcoming Buzludzha Project Forum

Тhe Buzludzha Monument, one of Bulgaria’s most iconic yet controversial architectural landmarks, continues to be at the center of discussions about cultural heritage and its preservation. The upcoming forum, Partnerships and Communities for Cultural Heritage, organized by the Buzludzha Project Foundation, will bring together experts, policymakers, and heritage enthusiasts to explore innovative solutions for the future of this historic site.

Set to take place in Sofia, the event will serve as a platform for collaboration between Bulgarian and international specialists in architecture, conservation, and cultural management. The discussions will focus on the challenges of preserving modernist heritage, strategies for sustainable tourism, and the role of local communities in revitalizing abandoned historical sites.

Among the key speakers will be conservation architect Dora Ivanova, the leading figure behind the Buzludzha Project, as well as representatives from Europa Nostra and ICOMOS—organizations dedicated to safeguarding Europe’s cultural heritage. The forum will also feature case studies from other countries that have successfully restored similar monumental structures, providing valuable insights into potential approaches for Buzludzha’s conservation.

A significant highlight of the event will be the presentation of the latest progress made in stabilizing the monument. Ongoing efforts focus on reinforcing the structure, preventing further deterioration, and preparing the site for potential future public access. The discussions will also include possible models for the adaptive reuse of the building, ensuring that it remains an active part of Bulgaria’s cultural landscape rather than an abandoned relic.

Beyond professional dialogue, the forum will emphasize the importance of public engagement in heritage preservation. Participants will share ideas on how to involve the broader community in the decision-making process and raise awareness about the value of Bulgaria’s modernist architecture.

The Partnerships and Communities for Cultural Heritage forum will reaffirm that Buzludzha’s future lies in cooperation—between experts, institutions, and the public. By fostering dialogue and innovative thinking, the event will mark another step toward transforming the monument from a symbol of the past into a site of cultural significance for generations to come.