Gabrovo Launches International Architecture Competition for New Christo and Jeanne-Claude Centre

The Bulgarian municipality of Gabrovo has officially announced an international architectural competition to convert a historic 13,330-square-meter textile school into the prestigious Christo and Jeanne-Claude Centre. This initiative aims to honor the legacy of the late Bulgarian-born artist Christo Javacheff and his partner, Jeanne-Claude, by creating a world-class institution dedicated to their groundbreaking, large-scale environmental art. The project serves a dual purpose: it acts as a cultural repository for the duo’s monumental work and serves as a major engine for urban regeneration in the city, which was once a prominent industrial hub. Architects are tasked with the delicate challenge of repurposing industrial infrastructure into a space that reflects the ephemeral, transformative nature of the artists’ iconic installations. As the municipality seeks global talent to redefine this landmark, the project is expected to boost cultural tourism and position Gabrovo as a significant destination within the European artistic landscape, blending historical industrial heritage with forward-thinking design.