Bulgaria is a vibrant and diverse country. There is an array of tourist attractions here, that delight all kinds of travelers. Be it palaces, churches, monasteries or buzzing beaches, there is no dearth of touristy places in this beautiful Balkan country. To enhance this list, one must also add the mesmeric museums in Bulgaria, that are living icons of history and heritage of the bygone era. Explore these iconic places and witness the myriad yet diversified exhibits, that amplify the charm quotient of the museums of Bulgaria.
Must-see Museums In Bulgaria
Bulgaria boasts of numerous museums. Each one of them is beautiful in their own way. Here is the recommended list of 12 must-see ones, so that you can witness the surreal history and beauty of this Balkan country.
1. National Historical Museum
This is the largest museum in the country. Founded in 1973, the National Historical Museum in Sofia is one of the most noteworthy Bulgaria museums, that one can explore. Housing more than 650,000 exhibits of various kinds and categories, this museum depicts the history and heritage of the country. Along with paintings, sculptures, artifacts, arms, ammunition, dresses, and utensils; the National Historical Museum also has a library, a café and a souvenir shop.
Opening hours: 9:30 am to 6 pm
Tickets: INR 4087/person
Location: ul. "Vitoshko lale" 16, 1404 Boyana, Sofia, Bulgaria
Website
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2. National Archaeological Museum
Located in the heritage building of the Ottoman Mosque, which is also known as Koca Mahmut Paşa Camii, the National Archaeological Museum was inaugurated in 1905. Displaying myriad of archaeological exhibits like cave artifacts, tools, and weapons, books, archives, manuscripts, metal objects, woodwork, drawings, and pottery, this is another name in the popular list of Bulgaria museums. Run and managed by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the National Archaeological Museum comprises of 5 display halls namely, the Centre Hall, Prehistory, Ancient, Medieval, Treasure, and a temporary exhibition gallery.
Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm
Tickets: INR 410/person
Location: пл. „Атанас Буров“, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
Website
Must Read: 21 Spectacular Places To Visit In Bulgaria That Are A Treat To Your Eyes
3. Open Air Ethnographic Museum
Set in the northern side of the Bulgaria National Park, this is one of its kind places. Popularly known as ETAR, Open Air Ethnographic Museum displays various artifacts and objects, related to the country’s customs, traditions, culture, and ethos. Founded in 1964, this is one of the must-see museums in Bulgaria, which not only displays objects but also houses many craft workshops and shops.
Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Tickets: INR 368/person
Location: General Derezinski 144, 5309 Gabrovo, Bulgaria
Website
4. The Retro Museum
This is comparatively a new museum in Bulgaria, which was opened for public in 2015. Sprawling over 4000 sq. mtr, this museum is located inside a huge shopping mall, the Grand Mall in Varna. Visit this wonderland to see the classic and retro items, that existed between 1944-1989. From Bulgarian cigarettes without a filter, Russian vacuum cleaner, vintage cars to polished cosmetics, antique household products and typewriters etc; everything is there. Other than this retro stuff, one can also see life-size wax statues of celebrities and renowned people.
Opening hours: 10 am to 9 pm
Tickets: INR 410/person
Location: Akademik Andrei Sakharov" 2, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
Website
Suggested Read: 12 Things To Do In Bulgaria That Will Keep You Engaged Throughout The Trip
5. National Museum of Military History
Opened in 1914 by the Ministry of Defence; the National Museum of Military History is a place where various items, relics, and artifacts of the military history of Bulgaria are showcased. Not only arms and weapons; but the museum also displays war photographs across various timelines. Moreover, there is a library which has numerous journals regarding war, combat and defense strategies; that Bulgaria has undertaken.
Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm
Tickets: INR 490/person
Location: "Cherkovna" 92, 1505 Oborishte, Sofia, Bulgaria
6. Sofia History Museum
Displaying more than 1000 exhibits, spread over 8 halls, Sofia History Museum is another name in the league of the best Bulgaria museums, that one must visit. From items of Neolithic age, stone and bronze age to items of medieval and modern days are showcased there. There is a special room for kids to get easily comprehensive and exciting knowhow about the history of Sofia, its traditions and heritage.
Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Tickets: INR 245/person
Location: l.Banski 1, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria
Website
Suggested Read: 10 Villas In Bulgaria That’ll Ensure You Have A Luxurious Stay
7. National Maritime Museum
This is Bulgaria’s navy museum. Established in 1923, this Bulgaria museum displays different items of Bulgaria’s naval history from 1879 to the present day. From ships, ancient anchors, figurines to pictures, documents, and uniforms; you can witness everything here. Located in the Sea Garden of Varna; this place offers an amazing view of the Black Sea and counted as one of the most popular Bulgaria museums.
Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm, on all days except Mondays.
Tickets: INR 205/person
Location: bul. "Primorski" 2, 9000 Primorski, Varna, Bulgaria
Website
8. Museum of Socialist Art
Presenting the history of the communist era in Bulgaria, the Museum of Socialist Art is another wonderful tourist attraction in Bulgaria. In an open ground, sprawling over 7500 sq. mtr, many figurines and sculptures related to Bulgaria’s socialist rule are displayed here. There is an in-house souvenir shop and video room, which often features documentary movies.
Opening hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm
Tickets: INR 325/person
Location: ul. "Lachezar Stanchev" 7, 1756 g.k. Iztok, Sofia, Bulgaria
Website
Suggested Read: 8 Water Parks In Bulgaria That Will Make Your Vacation More Fun
9. National Museum of Natural History
As one of the largest museums of Bulgaria, the National Museum of Natural History is located next to the Russian Church in Sofia. Comprising of stuffed mammals, invertebrates, birds and insects along with a myriad of mineral species, this heritage place was founded in 1889 and is presently under the supervision and management of Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm
Tickets: INR 205/person
Location: bul. "Tsar Osvoboditel" 1, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
Website
10. Aviation Museum
Aviation Museum is a branch of the National Military Museum and considered as one of the must-see attractions in Bulgaria. This is the only air museum in Bulgaria that showcases various exhibits of aviation history of Bulgaria. In the indoor halls, aviation documents, pictures depicting the country’s aviation history and development, devices and uniforms are displayed while the outdoor area comprises of helicopters and airplanes, rockets launchers and radars.
Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Tickets: INR 245/person
Location: 4112, Bulgaria
Website
Suggested Read: 13 Beaches In Bulgaria You Must Visit For A Laidback Experience
11. Abritus Interactive Museum
If we talk about must-visit tourist sites in Bulgaria, this one ought to be in the list. Abritus is an archaeological reserve, built to support the proper preservation of remnants and relics of ancient Roman and Greek period. Along with the outdoor area, there is an interesting interactive museum inside which comprises of many exhibition halls. Roman cities, their lifestyle, livelihood, fashion, and war; every detail is exhibited with minute precision.
Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Tickets: INR 100/person
Location: Aprilsko Vastanie Blvd. 70, Razgrad 7200, Bulgaria
Suggested Read: 6 Varna Beaches You Should Pay A Visit To In Bulgaria
12. Salt Museum
Perfectly set in the quaint town of Pomorie; this is the only salt museum not only in Bulgaria but in entire Eastern Europe. Showcasing the ancient methods and technology of salt production and modern salt production method through solar evaporation of seawater, this place was opened to the public way back in 2002. Other than the equipment and devices of salt production, one can also see the sprawling salt pans, where salt is constantly being produced naturally.
Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm
Tickets: INR 82/person
Location: 8200 Pomorie, Bulgaria
Further Read: Top 12 Bulgarian Restaurants That Will Leave You Spoilt For Choice
Intrigued? The list of museums in Bulgaria is also the must-see tourist attractions there, that everyone should witness. While planning an Eastern Europe trip with TravelTriangle, do consider visiting some of these wonders. Also, do not forget to share this amazing list of museums with your friends and folks!
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
