Just a stone’s throw from the lake, amidst the harmonious block-of-flats landscape of the ‘Druzhba’ neighbourhood, lies one of Sofia’s quietest yet most significant cultural hubs – the ‘Iskar’ Cultural Institute. The building was constructed in 1953 to serve as the Trade Union House of Culture. The cultural institute is the oldest in Sofia and is the guardian of tradition in one of the city’s most dynamic neighbourhoods.

Music can be heard inside. The Cultural Centre is home to the ‘Sofia Brass Band’, founded back in 1951, the ‘Iskri’ folk ensemble, which was established in 2017, the vocal group “Trendafil”, founded by the famous Adzhov sisters, as well as more than 15,000 books in its large library.

The area is bustling with schools, clubs and studios – ranging from ballet and theatre to art workshops and literary readings.

Today, the Iskar Cultural Centre is a living entity that reminds us that art isn’t just found in the city centre. Sometimes it’s right where someone has nurtured it with care – and it continues to flourish, alongside the neighbourhood.