One of the most prestigious publications of the Institute of Art Studies is the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE FINE ARTS IN BULGARIA. In 1981, the first volume (A - M) was published, and in 1987 - the second (M - R). The third volume (S - Y) closes the cycle of this capital work. The texts that have found a place in the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE FINE ARTS IN BULGARIA are a scientific study of facts and events related to the historical development of the plastic arts in the Bulgarian lands - from the prehistoric era to the present day. All types and genres of plastic art are affected - painting, graphics, sculpture, monumental and decorative and applied arts, unconventional forms of art and others. The main aspects and trends in the development of architecture, archaeology and folklore during different periods are traced. A large number of concepts and terms characteristic of plastic arts are included. The articles are richly illustrated and are accompanied by a comprehensive scientific bibliography. An important section is the biographical articles about artists, architects, art historians and archaeologists, cultural figures and public figures who have contributed to the development of culture. Materials about museums, galleries, exhibitions, scientific forums and organizations are also included. The authors of the articles are prominent specialists in the field of plastic arts - art historians, archaeologists, culturologists. The Institute of Art Studies, founded in 1948 by a group of academicians, is one of the ten humanitarian institutes within the framework of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and is one of the most representative academic centers for culture and art in Bulgaria. The administrative building of the institute is located in the central part of Sofia, 21 Krakra Street, dating from the beginning of the 20th century, donated to the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences by Mr. Andrey Lyapchev, Prime Minister of Bulgaria (1926-1931). The Institute of Art Studies has two more buildings, which house the art studies library, the photo laboratory, the photo library and the video archive.