SOFIA LIGHTS vol.5

A Magical Reality in the Park
March 1–22 | New Location

The fifth edition of SOFIA LIGHTS will take place from March 1 to 22 at a brand-new location—the park of the G. S. Rakovski Military Academy, right in the heart of the city. This year, we are honored to host world-renowned visual artist Amanda Parer. Together, we have created a sanctuary for those in need of silence, a slower pace, and a true mental reset.

In a world that feels increasingly out of balance, caught between global turmoil and the noise of social media, SOFIA LIGHTS creates a fleeting, magical reality. What we do is tangible and anchored in the physical world—a place we so rarely inhabit these days. This is an experience that brings you back into your body, breaks the hypnosis of the screen, and places you before something so monumental you can feel it on your skin.

Three years in the making, this collaboration brings one of the most significant names in contemporary light art to Sofia. Based in Australia, Amanda Parer uses monumental scale to turn the urban environment into a stage for reflection. Her work has traveled to over 300 cities across every continent, reaching millions.

Within the park, you will encounter six monumental human figures by Amanda Parer, set in symbiosis with the art installations Particles and Presence 2.0 by EMPATIA studio. Together, they create an environment where you are truly present. Everything is right there in front of you—vivid, real, and alive.

This magical world is only here for a moment—from March 1 to 22. After that, it disappears forever. It is worth being there. While it is real, while it is tangible and while it is still glowing.

 

When?

March 1 – 22, 2026

Opening time: 19:00 (7:00 PM)

Last entry: 22:30 (10:30 PM)

Park closes: 23:00 (11:00 PM)

 

Where?

Military Academy Park "G. S. Rakovski"
(Entrance from 82 Evlogi i Hristo Georgiev Blvd.)
Google Maps Link

How to get there?

By public transport!

Buses: lines 72, 75, and 213 stop directly in front of the park entrance.

Orlov Most: a 9-minute walk from the entrance.

Metro: "Teatralna" station (Line 3) is an 8-minute walk from the entrance.

The park is located within the "Blue Zone" parking area. We strongly recommend arriving by public transport rather than by car.

 

Tickets:

Children (0–3 years): Free entry

Children/Youth (3–18 years): €10

Adults: €20

Wheelchair users: Free entry

 

IMPORTANT:

·       Tickets are purchased for a specific date and time slot for entry.

 

·       For example, a ticket for the 19:00 – 20:00 slot allows you to enter at any time within that hour. Once inside, you can stay as long as you like at your own pace (typically 60 to 90 minutes). The park closes at 23:00.

 

·       For the last entry window at 22:00, entry will be open until 22:30, giving guests time to enjoy their visit before the park closes at 23:00.

 

·       Tickets are limited. Once a time slot is sold out, no additional tickets will be released.

 

·       Tickets are sold online only via the official website www.sofialights.com and the www.bilet.bg platform.

 

·       By purchasing a ticket, you agree to the Organizer's Terms and Conditions.

The event is part of the Sofia Municipality Cultural Calendar.

 

For more information, visit www.sofialights.com