Ivan Lazarov, a notable Bulgarian sculptor, was born in 1889 in Karlovo. His journey in the arts commenced at the State Art School, where he specialized in sculpture and graduated in 1912. Seeking further artistic refinement, he pursued specialized studies in Munich and Dresden.
In 1919, Lazarov embarked on an educational path, initially as a painting instructor in Sofia. Later, he transitioned to become a sculpture teacher at the State Academy of Arts. His dedication and excellence in education were recognized through multiple appointments as the academy’s rector.
Lazarov’s integrity and honesty in his interactions, both with his students and colleagues, led to challenging times after September 9, 1944, when he found himself imprisoned for a span of 4 days. Despite these adversities, his commitment to the arts remained unwavering.
In 1949, Lazarov established the Institute of Art Studies within the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) and served as its director until his passing. This institution stood as a testament to his enduring legacy and contributions to art education and research.
The house-museum dedicated to Ivan Lazarov stands as a significant cultural institution, representing a branch of the National Art Gallery and earning recognition as a national cultural monument in 1978.
