If you want to see Sofia’s character and identity through the modern lens of Bulgarian designers and artists, and pick up something original as a souvenir, we have the perfect place for you – Gifted Sofia. Gifted is both a shop and a gallery, and has been developing for years as a contemporary hub for urban culture. Above all, Gifted is an alternative take on the souvenir shop in its traditional form. Established in 2017, it is home to local artists, collectives and brands working to shape the capital’s contemporary image.

In the words of its founder – architect Valeri Gyurov – Gifted reflects the authenticity of Sofia, because just as the city blends many historical eras, architectural styles and cultural layers, so too does the shop offer a wide variety of items, ranging from original socialist-era symbols and objects to products from contemporary brands. Gifted’s aim is to showcase the capital’s full diversity, just as it is in reality. The gallery’s exhibitions also follow this theme, displaying contemporary works from a wide range of urban subcultures. 

Gifted offers visitors the chance to take home a souvenir of our beautiful and colourful capital, all of which is locally produced. In the shop, you’ll find a wide variety of souvenirs, ranging from the most typical – postcards, magnets, badges, bags and T-shirts – to all sorts of games, textiles, cosmetics and books, as well as unique finds from the capital’s past, available in limited quantities, such as old ceramics, cups, key rings and old badges from Valeri’s personal collection. 

For nearly a year now, the Gifted team has been exhibiting the SOCMUS collection in the gallery, which preserves and showcases Bulgarian graphic design in the form of posters from the period 1944–1989. The founders of Gifted and the SOCMUS collective are building up a substantial collection and dream of establishing a Museum of the Bulgarian Poster in the future. 

Close to Gifted is another project by its creators, in collaboration with Free Sofia Tour – the authentic Soviet-era flat known as The Red Flat, which will transport you to the home of a family during the communist era. Visit it for an unexpected journey through time, the authenticity of which will send shivers down your spine.