Archeological Museum
2 Saborna St., tel.988 2406, Map
The oldest museum in Bulgaria, the museum of the archeological institute has been in its present location the ‘Bujuk (Big) Mosque’ since 1899. The mosque itself dates back to the end of the 15th century. It recently underwent major restoration, reopening in 2000 and is without a doubt one of the most charming and interesting museums in Sofia. The setting in the white, airy 9-domed former mosque is ideal for displaying the country’s ancient treasures. Its collection includes treasures, coins and pre-historical monuments from Bulgarian soil through Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Well-displayed with Bulgarian and English captions.The highlights include the Valchitran gold treasure from the 14th century BC and the original floor mosaic from St. Sofia Church.
Opening times: Tuesday - Sunday
Admission Charges: 10 BGN, Students: 2 BGN
Sofia City Art Gallery
1 Gurko St., tel. 987 2181, Map
The building, originally a casino till 1944, became the home of the City Gallery in the 70’s, although the gallery itself was founded in1928 and was first known as The City Museum. The collection consists of predominantly 20th century paintings and sculptures by Bulgarian artists, many of which they have donated to the gallery. The gallery often hosts musical recitals and avant-garde events.
Opening times: Tuesday-Saturday: 10.00 - 19.00 Hrs
Sunday: 11 - 18 Hrs
Monday: day off
Admission Charges: Free
Earth and Man Museum
4 Cherni Vruh Blvd., tel.656639, Map
Situated just behind the Hilton hotel at the beginning of the Yuzhen Park, this museum has a fascinating, if somewhat poorly displayed, collection of giant crystals and gemstones from around the world. Unfortunately there is also very little explanation in English or other foreign language. The venue is also used for temporary art exhibits as well as musical recitals, the resonance from the crystals adding to the quality of the musical performance.
Opening times: Tuesday-Saturday: 10.00 - 18.00 Hrs
Admission Charges: 2 BGN per person
For groups (>10 people) - 10 % discount
Ethnographic Museum
1 Alexander Battenberg Sq., tel.987 4191, Map
The museum housed in the eastern wing of the former palace, gives an insight to Bulgarian folklore and traditions including Easter eggs and breads as well as costumes from various regions. Although started in 1878, many valuable exhibits were lost during the bombing in 1944 and probably the most interesting exhibit is the beautifully carved wooden ceiling.
Unfortunately as in most Bulgarian museums, there are very few, if any, English transcriptions of the exhibits. Most museums do however offer English, German, French or Russian speaking guides.
Opening times: Tuesday - Sunday: 10.00 - 17.00 Hrs
Admission Charges: 3 BGN
National Art Gallery
1 Alexander Battenberg Sq., tel.980 0093, Map
The art gallery, situated in the former Royal Palace and established in 1948, has over 12,000 examples of Bulgarian art from the 19th and 20th century in its funds. Unfortunately the works of masters such as Zahari Zograf, Tzanko Lavrenov and sculptor Andrei Nikolov are no longer on display since the palace roof is badly in need of repair and the paintings are in danger of being damaged. There is no firm date for the reopening of the permanent collection, instead there are temporary exhibitions of Bulgarian and foreign art.
Opening times: Tuesday - Sunday: 10.30 - 18.00 Hrs
Admission Charges: 3 BGN
National Art Gallery - The Crypt
Alexander Nevski Sq., Map
In the crypt below the cathedral is the Old Bulgarian Art Collection of the National Gallery, depicting Orthodox Church Art from its origins in the 4th century through to the 19th century National Revival period. The focus is predominantly on icon painting with some 300 permanent exhibits including an altar cross and a pair of altar doors from the Rila monastery. There is a Bulgarian/ English illustrated guide book available with which visitors can identify the most significant exhibits and gain an insight into this genre of art.
Opening times:
Admission Charges:
National Gallery of Foreign Art
19th February St., tel.980 7262, Map
Since 1985 this former printing house with its 18 or so halls is home to collections from all over the world, including works by the likes of Van Dyke, Rodin, Picasso and Goya. It frequently hosts interesting temporary exhibitions of foreign art.
Opening times: Wednesday - Monday: 11.00 - 18.00 Hrs.
Admission Charges: 4 BGN
National History Museum
Vitoshko Lale St., Okolovrusten Shosse, Boyana, tel. 955 4280, Map
22,000 exhibits show the development of social, cultural and political life on Bulgarian soil. From the first prehistoric settlements through to the National Revival period and the Bulgarian State 1878 – 1945; covering the Greeks, Romans, First Bulgarian Kingdom in the Middle Ages and the Byzantines.
Among the most spectacular exhibits are the unique gold treasures from Panagyurishte and the Thracian silver from Rogozen as well as silver and bronze jewellery from the Bronze Age.
In the splendid main hall on the first floor, with its full height glass windows opening onto Vitosha mountain, visitors can see the development of the Bulgarian alphabet and early Bulgarian Christian art.
A recent addition to the costume collection includes the wedding dress worn by Princess Kalina, daughter of Simeon Saxe Coburg Gotha.
Opening times: 9.00 - 17.30
Admission Charges: 10 BGN
National Military History Museum
92 Cherkovna St., tel.946 1805, Map
This Museum was opened in 2003(?) and is slightly off the beaten track. No doubt of interest to military buffs and children as the courtyard features a large selection of military machines. Recently decommissioned weapons are also on display as well older memorabilia including uniforms, and a lock of Levski’s hair.
Opening times: 10.00 - 18.00 Hrs. (No day off)
Admission Charges: 2 BGN
Natural History Museum
1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., tel.988 5115, Map
Centrally located next to the Russian church this museum is a good wet weather choice for families with children, as the collection of stuffed, pickled or preserved animals never fails to impress. On the staircase of this old building there is a permanent exhibition of live reptiles and amphibians and on the ground floor there is also an exhibit of rocks and minerals from the moon. In the foyer is a small shop selling semi precious stones and some rather attractive contemporary jewellery.
Opening times: For the scientific part: Monday - Friday: 8.30 - 17.00 Hrs
For the exposition: Monday - Subday: 10.00 - 18.00 Hrs.
Admission Charges: 5 BGN
Numismatic Collection at the National bank
Alexander Battenberg Sq., Map
This must be Sofia’s best kept secret and it’s certainly not something you’d come across by accident. Open to the public only once a week (Tuesday afternoon)
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