Sea Casino
The iconic white building at the entrance to the Sea Garden — now a cultural centre.
Set in a key spot in the beautiful Sea Garden, the Casino offers not just a rich cultural programme but also breathtaking panoramic views over the entire Bay of Burgas and the Pier. It is the perfect place for a walk, a rest and inspiration for any visitor.
Photo: Mister No / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
History and beginnings
The idea for this iconic building was born in 1936 on the initiative of the then-mayor Atanas Sirekov. An architectural competition was announced and won by the talented architect Viktoria Angelova-Vinarova. The building was completed and ceremonially opened in 1938 — an event so significant for its time that ministers and many high-ranking guests arrived from Sofia by special train. With its striking ship-like architecture, the Casino quickly became a magnet for the elite and a favourite place for entertainment.
Photo: Kazinobs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Revival and modern look
After a period of neglect in the late 1990s, in 2011 the building underwent a large-scale reconstruction by Burgas Municipality. The renovation preserved the romantic spirit and original volume of the building while turning it into a modern Cultural Centre. This successful project won the Casino the prestigious "Building of the Year 2011" award.
What to expect today?
Today the Sea Casino is the beating cultural heart of Burgas. Its modern halls, bearing the names of great Burgas residents such as Georgi Baev, Petya Dubarova and Hristo Fotev, host exhibitions, concerts, literary readings and creative workshops year-round. The open terraces, fitted with binoculars, are the ideal spot for panoramic photos of the sea. Close by lies the open-air stage "Ohluva" ("the Snail"), where lively festival life thrives in summer.