Exhibition in the Park of Humor
Opening: 29 April 2026, 5:00 PM
The Museum of Humor and Satire celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of its founder, Stefan Fartunov, with an outdoor documentary exhibition located in the Park of Humor.
Under the motto “Laughter Cannot Be Homeless”, the exhibition follows the life and work of the individual who transformed Gabrovo’s humorous tradition into an institution of global importance.
Born on 29 April 1926, Stefan Fartunov was a lawyer by education and a visionary by vocation. He graduated in law from Sofia University and worked as
legal advisor at the Municipal People’s Council in Gabrovo. At the same time, he was actively engaged in cultural activities as Deputy Chairman of the
Aprilov–Palauzov Community Centre and Secretary of the Club of Cultural Workers.
A key moment in his work was the publication in 1966 of the Gabrovo Jokes book, compiled by him, with illustrations by Boris Dimovski and edited by Radoy Ralin. In the years that followed, the book became an international symbol of Gabrovo humour, with over 2,400,000 copies published and translations into more than 20 languages.
Inspired by this tradition, Fartunov went on to create and establish a cultural institution unique in character—the House of Humor and Satire. Together with like-minded people—Mihail Mihov and Veselin Vassilev—he developed the conceptual model for the future institution in the period 1968–1972.
A circle of bright personalities formed around him, including Radoy Ralin-the author of the motto “The world lasts because it laughs.” Boris Dimovski-an artist and cartoonist whose illustrations, murals, and souvenirs became the visual identity of the House; Todor Tsonev—author of key concepts for its name and spatial design—and Bogdan Benev, creator of its emblematic logo. Crucial support was provided by architect Karl Kandulkov, then Mayor of
Gabrovo and also the author of the architectural design, under which an industrial building began its transformation into the House of Humor and Satire in 1972.
The First Biennial of Humor and Satire was held in 1973, and on 17 May 1975 the building was officially opened. In a gesture true to the institution’s spirit, the facade was temporarily “wrapped” and decorated by Boris Dimovski with illustrations from Gabrovo Jokes.
Over the following decades, the House established itself as an international centre for humour and satire. In 1980, during the 21st session of UNESCO’s
General Conference in Belgrade, the institution was officially admitted to the UNESCO network as an international information centre for humour and
satire—a unique status of its kind in the world.
Stefan Fartunov was awarded the title “Distinguished Cultural Figure” and the Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius, First degree. In 2003, he was awarded the title of “Honorary Citizen of Gabrovo” for his outstanding contribution to the city’s cultural life.
Since 2015, a representative hall in the Museum of Humor and Satire has been named after him.
Stefan Furtunov died on June 25, 2010 in Gabrovo, leaving behind an institution that lives and laughs even today.
The exhibition presents archival documents, photographs, and testimonies related to the creation and development of the House of Humor and Satire—a story of vision, consistency, and the power of a cultural idea.
“True humor knows no borders—it crosses them and becomes the heritage of all people around the world.” (Stefan Fartunov)
The exhibition is realised in partnership with the State Archives – Gabrovo.
Special thanks for their support to the Municipality of Gabrovo and the Municipal Enterprise “Urban Development”