The National Palace of Culture (NDK) is one of the largest multifunctional conference and cultural centers in Europe, covering 123,000 square meters across eight floors and three underground levels. Opened in 1981 to celebrate Bulgaria 1300th anniversary, this impressive brutalist building hosts concerts, conferences, exhibitions, and film festivals including the Sofia International Film Festival. The complex includes 13 halls (the main hall seats over 3,000), exhibition spaces, restaurants, and is surrounded by a beautiful park. World-famous artists from Jose Carreras to Sting have performed here.