House of Humour and Satire
Gabrovo
The House of Humour and Satire in Gabrovo, Bulgaria, is a distinctive cultural institution dedicated to the art of humor and satire. Established in 1972 on the site of a former leather factory, it combines the features of a museum and art gallery. The center preserves and promotes traditional local humor alongside international satirical works through permanent and temporary exhibitions, including cartoons, sculptures, photographs, and paintings. Its vast collection includes over 51,000 works by more than 9,000 authors from 173 countries, making it a global repository of humorous art. The museum also hosts the International Biennial of Humour and Satire in the Arts and celebrates its birthday annually on April 1. Visitors can explore thematic exhibitions such as "How Gabrovo Became a Capital of Humor," enjoy the Park of Laughter with sculptures of famous humorous characters like Hitar Petar and Charlie Chaplin, and experience interactive installations like the Mirror Room. The House serves not only as a museum but also as a cultural hub with a library, conference hall, recording studio, souvenir shop, and café, welcoming guests of all ages to enjoy the universal language of laughter.
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Tip: Visit during the International Biennial of Humour and Satire in the Arts for special exhibitions and events. April 1st marks the museum's birthday with celebrations. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during festival times. The museum offers free parking and is easily accessible from Gabrovo's bus and train stations. Explore the Park of Laughter nearby for outdoor sculptures and photo opportunities.
Interesting facts
- •The House of Humour and Satire holds over 51,620 works by more than 9,000 artists from 173 countries.
- •Its collection includes approximately 22,000 caricatures, 3,000 satirical graphics, 1,000 sculptures, and 9,500 photographs.
- •Gabrovo is known as the international capital of humor and satire.
- •The museum's emblem is a globe with cat eyes and ears, representing Gabrovo's mascot, the cat.
- •The Park of Laughter nearby features sculptures of famous humorous characters such as Hitar Petar, Charlie Chaplin, Don Quixote, and Sancho Panza.
History
Founded on April 1, 1972, the House of Humour and Satire was created on the site of an old leather and tanning factory in Gabrovo.
Designed by architect Karl Kandulkov, it was established as a successor to Gabrovo's rich folklore humor and carnival traditions.
Over its 35-plus years, the institution has grown into a unique international cultural center, organizing hundreds of exhibitions worldwide and building a vast collection of humorous art.
Its emblem, a globe with cat eyes and ears, reflects Gabrovo's mascot, the cat, symbolizing the global reach of humor.
Place Guide
Permanent Exhibition Halls
The museum features 10 exhibition halls spread over four floors, including permanent expositions like 'How Gabrovo Became a Capital of Humor,' 'Garden Town,' 'Satire and Propaganda,' and the interactive 'Mirror Room.' These halls showcase diverse humorous artworks and thematic displays reflecting local and global satire.
Park of Laughter
Located near the museum, the Park of Laughter displays sculptures of iconic humorous characters such as the witty Hitar Petar, Charlie Chaplin, Don Quixote, and Sancho Panza, along with a huge sundial and the metal Tower of Babylon. It offers a playful outdoor experience complementing the museum visit.
Museum Library and Facilities
The House includes a specialist library with 25,000 titles and 1,000 periodicals in 35 languages, a recording studio, conference hall, souvenir shop, and night café, providing a comprehensive cultural experience beyond exhibitions.
Contact
Phone: 066 807 229
