21 August 2026

BULGARIA CONTEMPORARY 2026 - Presented and organized by Sarieva / Gallery in partnership with DOT Sofia & AYA Estate Relais & Châteaux

BULGARIA CONTEMPORARY 2026

Art · Architecture · Nature · Gastronomy · Wine

26–30 October 2026 | Sofia & Melnik, Bulgaria

Presented and organized by Sarieva / Gallery in partnership with DOT Sofia & AYA Estate Relais & Châteaux
 

BULGARIA CONTEMPORARY 2026, now in its third edition, is an intimate five-day journey connecting cultural history with the artists, curators, collectors and cultural figures actively shaping Bulgaria today. Moving between Sofia and the Melnik region, the programme brings together contemporary art, architecture, nature, gastronomy and wine.

Curated and led by Vesselina Sarieva, curator, founder of Sarieva / Gallery and a leading figure in Bulgaria’s contemporary art scene, the journey offers direct encounters with the people, collections and places defining the country’s cultural landscape.


SOFIA · DOT SOFIA · ART & ARCHITECTURE, CITY TOUR

Two nights at DOT Sofia, with a private visit to its art collection, a curated city tour, artist studio visits, galleries and museums.

The programme includes Sarieva/Gallery @ DOT Sofia presents: "The Price of Love", a solo exhibition by Stefan Nikolaev, with a meeting with the artist and presentation of his catalogue.

The Sofia experience continues with a four-course artist dinner with wine pairing at KOMAT Restaurant.


MELNIK · AYA ESTATE · ART & ARCHITECTURE, NATURE & WINE

Two nights at AYA Estate Relais & Châteaux, where contemporary art meets the history, landscape and wine culture of the Melnik region.

A highlight is "Better with Time" at AYA Estate Vineyards, presenting works from the Galila Barzilai’s Collection, Belgium. Organized by AYART Collection by MFG, the exhibition brings an international contemporary art perspective to the estate.

The programme also includes a private visit to the AYA Art Collection, estate and equestrian centre, a wine tour, and a four-course tasting menu with wine pairing at aEstivum.


THE JOURNEY

  • 2 nights at DOT Sofia
  • 2 nights at AYA Estate Relais & Châteaux
  • Private art collection visits
  • Curated city and estate tours
  • Artist studio, gallery and museum visits
  • "The Price of Love" by Stefan Nikolaev
  • Meeting with Stefan Nikolaev and catalogue presentation
  • Galila Barzilai’s Collection exhibition
  • Artist dinners and wine pairings
  • AYA wine tour
  • Four-course tasting menu at aEstivum
  • Breakfast
  • Transportation throughout the programme
  • For more information on the prices and the tour, please contact: 


BOOKINGS

Vesselina Sarieva
vesselina@sarieva.org , 00359888520375
 

BULGARIA CONTEMPORARY 2026 brings together history and the contemporary, heritage and new ideas, established collections and active cultural voices — offering an intimate view of Bulgaria through the people and places shaping its cultural future.