​Open Forum: Digitalization & Innovation for Cultural Heritage

​April 16–17, 2026 | “BIAD” Concert Hall (FNTS), 108 Georgi S. Rakovski St., Sofia, Center

​​[Последвайте този линк за регистрация на български език]

​The Forum is an international platform for exchanging practical experience, knowledge, and ideas for the preservation and development of immovable cultural heritage. It creates dialogue between institutions, experts, civil society organizations, and businesses.

​Participants

​The Forum will bring together leading experts in the preservation and presentation of immovable cultural heritage from Bulgaria and across Europe, who will present successful models and innovative solutions. International delegates include experts from:

• ​ICOMOS – International Council on Monuments and Sites

• ​Europa Nostra – the leading European cultural heritage federation

• ​University of Bologna

• ​EUROM – European Observatory on Memories

• ​ATRIUM – Association and European Cultural Route

• ​EuroClio – European Association of History Educators

• ​House of European History – the museum of European Union history

• ​Ministry of Culture of France

• ​and others

​Programme

​The fourth edition of the Forum focuses on technologies and new approaches that are transforming how we preserve, interpret, and develop cultural heritage. Digitalization will be explored not only as a documentation method, but also as a tool for active public engagement.

​The Forum is organized on the occasion of the International Day for Monuments and Sites (18 April). It explores the relationship between heritage and technology, tradition and innovation, and past and future.

​This year’s edition will bring together 40 experts, 30 presentations, experience from 10 countries, 2 days full of inspiration, ideas, and new connections.

​A key highlight of the programme is the premiere presentation of the Digital Twin of the Buzludzha Monument - an interactive 3D experience allowing participants to explore the building in its current state and “travel back in time” to see how it looked in the past. Participants will also learn more about the site's history and context and will be invited to explore possible future scenarios for the monument.

​16 April 2026, Thursday

​Panel 1: Digital Twin of Buzludzha
Panel 2: Innovative Communication Approaches
Panel 3: Digital Experiences

​17 April 2026, Friday

​Panel 4: Innovative Preservation Practices
Panel 5: Digital Urban Narratives
Panel 6: Digital Registers and Maps

​The full programme and speaker information can be found here: https://buzludzha-project.com/en/forum/

​Partners

​The event is organized by the Buzludzha Project Foundation and is held with the support of the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Germany, French Institute in Bulgaria, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Bulgarien, FNTS, Baumit, PERI Bulgaria, Central Halls - Kaufland Bulgaria. The forum is implemented with financial support from the European Union under the international project “Developing an Inclusive Process for Communicating Contested Heritage,” CERV-2023-CITIZENS-REM program.

​Registration

​📌 The forum is free of charge but requires prior registration due to limited seating.
Working languages: Bulgarian and English (simultaneous interpretation provided).
Follow news and updates about the event on our website and social media.

​Website: https://buzludzha-project.com/en/forum/
FB: Проект Бузлуджа / Buzludzha Project
IN:  Buzludzha Project

​📞 For inquiries: [email protected]

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Be part of the dialogue on the future of cultural heritage!