Czech Centre in Sofia to close after 77 years, sparking petition to keep it alive

The Czech Centre in Sofia, the oldest institution of its kind within the global network, is set to close after 77 years of continuous activity, prompting a public backlash and a petition signed by more than 1,200 people calling for the decision to be reconsidered.

“With great sadness, we inform you that, in accordance with a decision by the Director General of the Czech Centres, the Czech Centre in Sofia will be closed and will end its cultural and educational activities in Bulgaria,” the institution said in a statement.

The closure comes at a symbolic moment. The centre marks its 77th anniversary on 5 May, underscoring its long-standing role as one of the most enduring foreign cultural organisations in Bulgaria. Established in 1949, it has operated without interruption across different political eras, becoming a key platform for cultural exchange between Bulgaria and what was initially Czechoslovakia, and later the Czech Republic.

Within hours of the announcement, a petition urging authorities to review the decision and identify a sustainable model for the centre’s continued operation gathered over 1,200 signatures. Supporters argue that the institution plays a crucial role in maintaining cultural continuity, supporting academic exchange, and strengthening bilateral relations.

The Czech Centre in Sofia traces its origins to a 1947 intergovernmental cultural agreement between Czechoslovakia and Bulgaria. In May 1949, a representative cultural shop, Československá tvorba Orbis, was opened in central Sofia, while a corresponding Bulgarian cultural outlet was established in Prague. The initiative quickly gained popularity, leading to the opening of an additional branch in Sofia.

Over the decades, the institution evolved in both name and scope, transitioning from a cultural shop to a fully-fledged cultural and information centre. Following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993, the Czech Republic established the Czech Centres network, with the Sofia branch becoming its oldest foreign outpost.

Today, the centre operates as a multi-functional cultural space, including a gallery, a hall with stage and screening facilities, a terrace, and a specialised library. It has hosted a wide range of events, from exhibitions and film screenings to literary discussions, concerts, theatre performances, and educational programmes.

The decision to close the Sofia branch is part of a broader reduction in the Czech Centres network. This year alone, branches in Milan, Stockholm, and Tbilisi are also being shut down. The move follows a decrease in funding from the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which oversees the network. The budget allocated to the centres has been reduced to 157 million Czech crowns this year (approximately €6.5 million), compared to more than 180 million last year (approximately €7.3 million).

Czech Centres are grant-funded organisations and serve as a central instrument of public diplomacy in the Czech Republic’s foreign policy. They promote Czech culture, language, science, and innovation abroad, support creative industries, and facilitate international cultural dialogue. The network currently operates 26 branches across four continents, in addition to Czech Houses in Jerusalem and Bratislava.

In Bulgaria, the Sofia centre has played a particularly prominent role in supporting Czech studies, known as Bohemistics. It has maintained long-term partnerships with Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski”, and various cultural organisations. Its activities have included language courses, academic collaboration, translation initiatives, and access to specialised archives and library resources.

Beyond academia, the centre has been an active participant in the country’s cultural life, collaborating with major festivals such as the Sofia Film Festival, the Sofia International Literary Festival, Night of Literature, and Poetry in the Metro. Its programmes have reached audiences not only in Sofia but also in cities including Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Shumen, Stara Zagora, Gabrovo, and Balchik.

Supporters warn that the closure would disrupt decades of cultural exchange and weaken Czech-Bulgarian relations. They also argue that it would remove an established platform for education, dialogue, and artistic collaboration.

Public figures have echoed these concerns. Former MP and publisher Manol Peykov described the centre as a symbol of intellectual freedom, noting its role during Bulgaria’s communist period as a conduit for Czech dissent and the broader ideas associated with the Prague Spring.

Despite the planned closure, the centre will continue its activities until the end of May, with its team committed to delivering the scheduled programme. According to director Radka Rubilina, the final shutdown is expected by 31 July 2026.

Sources: Segabg.com, clubz.bg, peticiq.com, sofia.czechcentres.cz

Caption: The Czech Centre in Sofia offers a rich and diverse cultural programme, ranging from exhibitions and film screenings to literary events and educational initiatives. / Facebook page of the Czech Centre Sofia