In 1892 the National Museum was established
in Sofia. The Ethnographical section was considered one of its’ main parts.
In 1906 it was separated from the National Museum and became an
independent institution under
the name Bulgarian Ethnographical Museum.
Its’ first director was the great patriot
Dimitar Marinov.
In 1947 in the system of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences the Ethnographic Institute was found.
In 1949 it became Ethnographic Institute with Museum. Its’ first director was
Prof. Stoyan Romanski.
Northeastern wing of the former Royal Palace in Sofia is built between
1894-1895. It was designed by the Austrian Fredrik Gryunanger (1856-1929).
He was a court architect of king Ferdinand and he worked in Bulgaria for
a long period of time. Fredrik Gryunanger is an author of serious of
remarkable houses and public buildings in Sofia - a Theological Academy,
Seminary and the church of St. Ivan Rilski, Central Sefaradic Synagogue;
and in the country - the palace of Alexander Bathenberg in Russe, the
building of Teacher’s Educational School in the town of Kyustendil and
etc. The elements of style modern and the traditional Bulgarian architecture
are a distinguish feature of his creative work.
The Rudolf Philip Wagner Vienna firm took part in the construction works
of Royal Palace too. The metal ornaments of the Lion and the Eagle Bridge
in the center of Sofia, The Bulgarian church St. Stefan in Istanbul are
made by the same company.
The plaster ornaments of the palace are the work of Austrian sculptor Andreas Grace (1843-1925). He is an author of decoration of the National Assembly building, the Military Club and many private houses.
Valerian Gillar firm is a provider of metal decorations and parapets.