Management of Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis: An Analysis of Visitor Attendance in Bulgarian Museums (2020-2024) Through the Lens of Facility Management

Abstract

The article presents an analytical study of the development of the museum sector in Bulgaria during the period 2020–2024, with emphasis on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and on the importance of facility management for the sustainability of cultural institutions. The main objective is to trace the number of museums, the changes in visitor attendance, as well as to assess the role of infrastructure and resource management for institutional adaptation during the crisis and the subsequent recovery.

The methodology is based on secondary quantitative analysis of official statistical data provided by the National Statistical Institute. Descriptive methods, comparative analysis, and time-series analysis are applied. The data are systematized at both national and regional levels, with a targeted focus on Sofia, Varna, and Veliko Tarnovo.

The results indicate a significant decline in visitor attendance in 2020, followed by a marked and steady recovery after 2021. By the end of the period (2023–2024), the observed levels exceed those recorded before the crisis. The regional analysis reveals varying degrees of resilience: Sofia maintains leading positions, Varna exhibits pronounced seasonality, and Veliko Tarnovo is characterized by stable growth, driven by the region’s cultural and historical profile. The study highlights the essential role of FM in ensuring the quality of museum services.