State Puppet Theater

The Gabrovo State Puppet Theater was founded in 1962 as a professional theater, and in 1970 was officially classified as a state theater. In 1979 the theater moved into its own building, which is the only in Bulgaria, designed and built specifically as a puppet theater.
For the duration of its existence the Gabrovo Puppet Theatre established itself as the most prestigious cultural institution dedicated to children within the Central Northern Bulgaria. In its artistic biography the theater has impressive achievements: over 2 million viewers, more than 350 titles, Bulgarian and world literature and drama for children. Its performances have been watched by several generations of viewers and children, whose number exceeds two million.

Its theatrical output has shown very high artistic and professional levels, as evidenced by numerous awards from Bulgarian and international festivals – “Golden Dolphin”- Varna, “Pierre”- Stara Zagora, Ian Bibian – Silistra, “The Magic Curtain – Targovishte, Fair of the Dolls – Sofia, Lodz, Ceske Budyovitse, Novi Sad, Alma Ata and many others. The Gabrovo Puppet Theater is also the winner of the first degree orden “Cyril and Methodius”. Its stage is highly preferred by many foreign ensembles   during their travels – countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Serbia, Czech Republic  have performed here,  which supports an active cultural exchange.
Actors of the Gabrovo Puppet Theatre are traditionally among the most active participants in the Carnival of Gabrovo.