Conceptual proposals for creating a park area combined with a contemporary art space will be accepted until January 7, 2026.
The Municipality of Burgas and Burgas 2032 Foundation have officially announced an international architectural competition for transforming the former GUM area in Burgas center. All interested specialists from Bulgaria and abroad are invited to submit their conceptual proposals for transforming this 10 decares of deserted land in the heart of the city into a park area combined with a space for contemporary art and culture.
Project proposals will be accepted until January 7, 2026, and the results are expected no later than February 16, 2026. A nine-member international jury will evaluate the candidates’ conceptual designs, which will be anonymous. The top three finalists will then have the opportunity to present their projects publicly. The rules of the PARK ZONE 3 International Competition – Space for Contemporary Art and Culture have already been officially published in accordance with the requirements of the Public Procurement Act.
Transforming the so-called ‘DUPKATA’ (‘The Hole’) into a lively and functional public and cultural space is part of the investment program of Burgas’ bid for European Capital of Culture in 2032.
To mark the start of the revival of ‘The Hole’, Orchestra Lumina will perform works by Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, Marcello and Mozart. The symphony concert will open the international Festival of Contemporary Arts ‘WATER 2025’, which will be held in ‘The Hole’ area from October 6 to 8th, as a symbolic start to the upcoming transformation of this key urban space in Burgas.
