The first purpose-built military club in Bulgaria: Prince Ferdinand laid its foundation stone on 24 June 1890 on the ruins of the Ottoman fort above the Danube, giving 20,000 leva of his own money, and the house opened with a ball on 19 November 1894. Its concert salon was later rebuilt as a theatre and cinema hall of more than 400 seats, and a summer theatre seating 3,340 went up in the grounds in 1961. Both stages carry touring concerts, competitions and festivals.