House of Humour and Satire

The House of Humour and Satire opened its doors for the first time in 1975 in the town of Gabrovo, Bulgaria. 

The rapid development of a UNIQUE AND MODERN CULTURAL INSTITUTE was about to begin under the motto "The World Lasts Because It Laughs" suggested by the eminent Bulgarian satirist Radoy Ralin. From 1979 to 1990 the House accumulated a sizeable art collection of humorous and satirical works from all over the world; started holding various international and national competititons like the International Biennial of Humour and Satire in the Arts (1973) and many more art festivals and exhibition series. 

After 1989 when the political regime was brought down the House faced financial and personnel problems. The time necessiated the adoption of new strategies and plans aimed to re-design the entire work and activities of the cultural institute in the new economic circumstances. However, the major goal still focused on the preservation of the House's character as a MUSEUM of WORLD HUMOUR ART whose pricipal art collection already numbered 38 174 works of art.

These days the House of Humour and Satire continues carrying out its MISSION - "to encourage the creation of humorous and contemporary art works by holding international and national competitions, exhibitions and other fora; to preserve and popularize the world humour heritage recognizing the identuty and humour traditions of each nation; to mediate through the power of universal humour and throw bridges between opposing sides in the name of tolerance, understanding and mutual respect amid the peoples in the world."