MUZEIKO - AMERICA FOR BULGARIA
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Sofia, Bulgaria
Muzeiko, the first children's museum in Bulgaria, was established by the America for Bulgaria Foundation as part of their mission to improve informal educational opportunities for Bulgarian children, families, and educators. SKOLNICK’s concept for this new, modern educational facility consciously expresses the nation’s cultural heritage while looking to the future and re-connecting Bulgaria with the global community. Organized conceptually as a journey moving through time and space, the 35,000 sf facility invites children and families to explore three levels of exhibits representative of the past, present, and future.
Services
Architecture
Exhibit + Graphic Design
Identity Design
Signage + Wayfinding Design
Site Planning
Size
35,000 sf
Awards
2024 SARA National Design Awards
Winner, Design Awards of Excellence
Winner, Award of Honor
Winner, Best Cultural Project
LEED® Gold
2015 Bulgarian Building of the Year
Educational Facility Category
Bulgarian Building of the Year, Education Category, 2015
Finalist for the 2016 Children in Museums Award
HandsOn! International Association of Children in Museums and European Museum Academy
A JOURNEY THROUGH SPACE AND TIME
The Museum’s three floors are connected by a fantastical tree. Among the tree’s roots on the lowest level, children explore “The Past” through exhibits interpreting archaeology, geology, and paleontology. On the ground floor, hands-on activities focus on the natural environment and cities of “The Present.” And high above the treetop on the third floor, children blast off into “The Future” through interactive exhibits exploring cutting-edge technologies and space travel.
LITTLE MOUNTAINS
Muzeiko’s architectural theme, “Little Mountains,” is an allusion to Bulgaria’s mountainous topography. The structure’s glass volume is interrupted by three sculptural forms, or mountains, each referencing indigenous craft traditions in the country through its color scheme and texture. One mountainous form features abstracted patterns inspired by textiles and embroidery, another by glazed ceramics, and the third by traditional wood carving.
ALIVE WITH ACTIVITY
In contrast to traditional Bulgarian museums that can appear imposing and monumental, Muzeiko utilizes large areas of glass to reveal the interior and create a feeling of openness and transparency. The interior activity also extends to the site, which includes a science playground, a green roof and rooftop climbing wall, a rain garden, outdoor activity space and an amphitheater. A&A Architects, Sofia, are the architects-of-record for the project.
“Muzeiko is a gift to the people of Bulgaria, especially the children. The contributions of the team of designers and consultants led by Mr. Skolnick advance the Foundation’s missions in the areas of education, the arts, and cultural heritage.
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