about

central location

The Little Bulgaria Center is located in downtown Des Plaines, a region of Chicago Land where the Bulgarian-American community is large. Nearby are many Bulgarian businesses, including the St Sofia Church, New Life Church, Malincho Deli, restaurants Mehanata and Balkanika, and others.

The Center was established in 2019 and is housed in a building newly purchased by the "Little Bulgarian School in Chicago". Thanks to the cooperative efforts of hundreds of volunteers in the purchase and repair activities, the building is now the center of the Bulgarian community in the Chicago area.

The beautiful monumental building was designed by German architects in the 1930s and attracts the eyes of passers-by with its grandeur.

home of the bulgarian-american community

In 2019, the Little Bulgarian School in Chicago purchased a building in downtown Des Plaines and established the Little Bulgaria Cultural Center.  The Center creates an inclusive and creative environment for established and informal organizations that further engage and empower the Bulgarian-American and other Des Plaines communities. It is now the home of Bulgarian Sunday School and many concerts, plays, sports, and events for adults and families of all backgrounds.

The goals of the Center are:

  • To support and assist community inclusion programs.
  • To continue assisting in the Bulgarian-American community's cultural and educational development.
  • To strengthen the sense of belonging and pride in children, students, and young people.
  • To foster a new generation of creators, teachers, and leaders.

campus amenities

The Little Bulgaria Center offers the following amenities:

  • 14 spacious and cozy classrooms, furnished according to the needs of children from 2 years to 12th grade
  • own 65 car parking with an additional off-site parking with 22 spaces
  • large playground
  • library
  • dance studio
  • music studio
  • multi-purpose gym with a stage and professional sound and lighting equipment
  • The Gallery - multi-purpose spacious hall for art exhibitions, book clubs, mini-concerts, etc.

activities

The Little Bulgaria Center partners with formal and informal organizations that offer activities for the Des Plaines and surrounding communities:

  • Arts and Culture - festivals, concerts, plays, art exhibitions, book signings, etc.
  • Sports for all age groups - volleyball, basketball, table tennis, fencing, gymnastics, etc.
  • Sunday Schools - Bulgarian (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) and Chinese (Sunday)
  • Bulgarian folk dance classes for all age groups