The National Museum of History is a fascinating place to visit, offering a wide range of exhibits that showcase the rich history of Bulgaria. The museum is housed in a grand and architecturally stunning building, which adds to the overall experience. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits that span from ancient times to modern times, including artifacts from the Greek, Roman, and earlier civilizations. One of the highlights is the collection of goldsmithing exhibits, which are truly impressive. However, some visitors have noted that the presentation of the exhibits could be more interactive and that there is a lack of detailed information in certain areas, such as the communist era and post-World War II history. Despite these minor drawbacks, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of Bulgarian history and is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the country's past. Additionally, the museum offers a pleasant cafe with a stunning view of the mountains, making it a great place to relax and soak in the surroundings. Overall, while improvements could be made in certain aspects, the National Museum of History is definitely worth a visit for history enthusiasts and those curious about Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage.
Comment
27.07.23
Paul
A great place to cool down in peace and quiet. When you arrive there is no information on how to learn the history in a chronological way. It’s all a bit disjointed and it’s difficult to understand the context of the exhibits.
However, th.. Read more »e day was saved for me by an amazing older member of staff who explained the history of the Cyrillic alphabet and it’s context to the formation and development of Bulgarian.
The cafe has an amazing view of the mountains and the cafe staff are very friendly.
I could have learnt more given more information.
10.04.23
Jakub
Amazing exhibits, some being a couple thousand years old, like mammoth's tooth. Lota of human history - greek, roman and even earlier. Great place for people liking ancient times.
08.04.23
Stefan
One of the coolest places I have seen! First of all the building itself is architecturally stunning, makes you feel small but it is fascinating in design on how it incorporates elements.of traditional architecture. The there is the historical artefac.. Read more »ts that make things interesting. Bulgaria has a very long history and you get that sense in the objects that you find. The explanations could be improved, but if you like history you will enjoy this place. Also the garden in the back is worth having a short walk in.
12.01.23
Ivan
Museum is good. Socialist architecture of the building is impressive inside out. Exhibition starts from the early age. But after that it’s too brief for me. I was lacking a detailed exhibition of the Balkan Wars, World wars and socialism in the.. Read more » country. Overall experience is good. Worth visiting when you have nothing to so do in Sofia, since it also takes some time to get there by trolleybus no.2 to the very last stop.
04.01.23
Nico
The National history museum🏛️ has exhibitions ranging from the ancient era to modern times, permanent exhibitions but also temporary ones. All exhibitions have descriptions of what they are in both the Bulgarian and English language. The ticket 🎟️ pr.. Read more »ice for students is 3lv💵 and you even get a fancy ticket which you can keep, and not just a ordinary receipt 🧾. The scenery when standing in front of the museum is beautiful with a panoramic view to Vitosha mountain ⛰️. The museum is rather large with two very large halls and multiple smaller ones, there are also exhibitions in some of the corridors and stairways. At the entrance there are two souvenir shops🛍️ that accept card💳 payment. The museum also has a toilet.
09.12.22
Vili
We had a great time there. It was very interesting. Exhibit details were offered in both Bulgarian and English. We went on Sunday and it wasn't very crowded. We got the family ticket for 10 lv. The museum also organizes birthday parties for kids.. Read more ». While we were there, there was such a party. We were very impressed by the guide that was taking care of the children. She was very kind and managed to hold their interest. It looked like they were having a lot of fun. I will totally take advantage of this when my kid is older.
28.10.22
Zoe
As much as can be told about the sad and varied history of Bulgaria. It stops right after WW2... No coverage of communism or the corruption since. Amazing collection of gold. Worth a visit to better understand the country.
19.10.22
Richtofein
For any first time visitor or anyone interested in understanding the rich history of Bulgaria, I would totally starting off with this museum. Situated right next to mountains and with a pretty large exhibition, it covers everything from pre historic .. Read more »times until modern times of Bulgaria.
25.09.22
Kevin
The building itself is grand and prestigious. The collection is large but the way of presentation could be more interactive as its a bit presented in a static way. It would be nice if there would be some information about the history of the building... Read more » I also noticed that for many objects they show replica's instead of the originals. The staff was polite but did not really know things about the collection. Parking is free and there is plenty of space.
08.08.22
Orestis
Interesting exhibits, mainly the exhibits of goldsmithing. But what is really worth seeing is the building itself that houses the museum. The building is from the communist era, otherwise one can hardly find more information that is really accurate. .. Read more »Unfortunately, neither the building nor the lovely back garden with the lake has been utilized as it could be. For some inexplicable reason, the lake reminded me of Aztec architecture. It is worth going even though it is almost an hour away from the center.
05.08.22
Георги
Very peaceful location in the mountains. You travel back in time for some 80s vibes. Interesting gold artifacts. Coffee is recommended for the view of the Vitosha mountain and to reflect upon your experience
02.06.22
Bendert
Definitely a beautiful museum with excellent pieces and information on Bulgarian history. Also the building itself is quite interesting from an architectural perspective. Only giving four stars as the role of Bulgaria in the second world war is skipp.. Read more »ed over mostly.
25.05.22
Valentin
I can barely say that it's OK.
It's being renovated from the inside a bit, but left from the outside.
You can see that the park is being neglected from a long time ago.
The entrance is still in relative shape so you can easily mislead yours.. Read more »elf.
The inside can still represent all the glory the bulgarian history used to be.
You can see some artifacts where you can't elswere.
There is a large parking lot upfront so you can be sure that you'll have your car parked.
05.05.22
Ivanka
I had a walk in the past last night at the beautiful National Museum of History. The magnificent building and gardens, a remnant of the communist era are now open for anyone interested. I was reminded that Bulgaria is a country wit lots of history an.. Read more »d I felt so proud.
To my amazement thought, the management of the Museum have done nothing to make the exposition attractive for the next generations. Thousands of treasures and no interactive media to capture the attention of the young public. The museum is like a pantheon of the last century communist grandeur and so much lacking modern perspective and technology.
27.04.22
Q
It have been a very benefit visit. The place is shedding a light on the Bulgarian people and there deep historical roots in human civilization , history of nation building, peace , wars , art , kings , Kahns, early metal and tools invention. Realy.. Read more » it was an amazing experience no one shoul miss when visiting this nation.
26.04.22
Orestis
Interesting exhibits, mainly the exhibits of goldsmithing. But what is really worth seeing is the building itself that houses the museum. The building is from the communist era, otherwise one can hardly find more information that is really accurate. .. Read more »Unfortunately, neither the building nor the lovely back garden with the lake has been utilized as it could be. For some inexplicable reason, the lake reminded me of Aztec architecture. It is worth going even though it is almost an hour away from the center.
24.03.22
Rezzan
The ticket fare for entrance is 10 leva per person. There are some interesting items from the Romans, and especially gold ones are very nice. Third floor is for some old local clothes and war items. I think direction signs are kind of insufficient.
14.03.22
Brian
A very interesting museum, with detailed descriptions of Bulgarian history and some fascinating archaeological artefacts. The value for money of the visit is excellent; even just to see the architectural might of the building. It also has nice garden.. Read more »s out the back.
Unfortunately, we felt we were being followed from room to room by the staff as if we were going to steal some of the artefacts. This was quite distracting when we were trying to learn the information from the various rooms, though not a complete game over. Recommended!
07.03.22
Salvatore
The museum itself is pretty bit and there are 3 floors to visit, the treasure of Panagjurišteis probably the most notable you will find together with some army and uniform from WW2 and Bulgarian traditional costumes. There's a disco.. Read more »unt for students. I would personally recommend to visit during a shiny day since the park outside is amusing and worth a short visit
01.03.22
Simon
Interesting exhibits, lots to see and learn about the history of Bulgaria.it was very quiet, just our group at this particular time.
16.01.22
Lisa
Nice museum, although it is out of the city centre. There is a bus line from Bulgaria boulevard (M3), which is convenient. The tickets were 2 Lev per person (if you're a student), otherwise it is around 10 Lev for adults if I'm correct. The.. Read more » staff was friendly, but we were the only ones in the museum and it made us a bit uncomfortable that they were watching our every move. However it is definitely worth a visit!
16.01.22
darrell
Tickets for students are only 1lev. Altough a bit out of the way and a solid trip out of town it is worth a visit.
Staff was friendly but as we were the inly ones in the museum, they were making is a bit nervous
25.12.21
Slutskaya
Chaotic, badly organized, of date museum. Some things are nice but rambling around alone would not get one any idea about Bulgaria. Try guides… We didn’t and the impression is sad
05.10.21
Romy
Beautiful collection HOWEVER the staff is very unfriendly. They keep looking at you and following you around as if you're a criminal ready to steal some old stones.
01.10.21
Lars
Interesting, but slightly chaotic collection on Bulgarian history. The building itself is very impressive if you like this kind of communist architecture.
31.08.21
Philipp
Very interesting museum. Everything is ordered and displayed in a chronological way which makes it easier to follow and understand. The staff was friendly as well.
04.08.21
Kristjan
Lots of content and will take you at least 1,5h. Considering the colourful history of Bulgaria they could have had clearer descriptions. Keep Wikipedia at hand while you browse, it presents somewhat clearer and more interesting narrative. There is al.. Read more »most nothing about WW2 onwards.
14.07.21
Klara
Interesting Museum with a great variety of historical objects. Beautiful ceilings inside. You definitely have to visit when in Sofia.
09.07.21
Svenja
The National Museum of History in Sofia is hosted in the ancient government residence, thus a historic place, too
From the first settlers in the territory of today's Bulgaria in the stone age over settlements in Roman and medieval times over the.. Read more » liberation and communism till the North Pole expedition, every thing is explained with many exhibits. There are also parts dedicat d to traditional clothes, jewelry, and national sports.
Very interesting and impressive.
The museum staff does not speak English most of the time but they are always willing to help and to explain. Very polite and lovely.
Plan at least 2-4 hours.
You can combine it with Boyana church.
05.07.21
ward
Beautiful property nestled in the forest at the base of Vitosha Mountain. Amazing place for a concert!
22.05.21
Jerome
Like every tourist places, photos are a forbidden inside. But looks like some local guides here really don't care...
The old history of Bulgaria is really nice presented even for foreigners.
But after the 10th century, it s just a collection of.. Read more » pieces without any explanations of the history of this country, with a big black hole on the recent history
19.05.21
Bulgaria
It is a great museum. Absolutely worth to visit!
13.05.21
Domina
Great stuff there but the building is in terrible condition
I literally saw the ghost of Todor Jivkov while I was there.
The artefacts are amazing but everything else was terrible. Nothing has changed there literally since the communism. Maintaince i.. Read more »s a mystery there.
The staff was not friendly or helpful.
The security guards were wearing their masks unders their noses. I mean they are the one to keep for following the rules and...
The smell of tobacco smoke was absolutely everywhere because some of the staff obviously smoke inside the little administrative rooms instead of having a smoke break outside.
13.05.21
Златина
Really well sorted place. It has a restaurant on the back so pretty much after exploring you can go to take something to go. The museum itself is full of historical weapons, clothes declarations and more.
26.12.20
Lil
Remarkable artefacts part of the Bulgarian history. Absolutely beautiful golden treasure collection!!!! Nice view to the city
Definitely recommending visiting !
24.11.20
Dimitar
Miss this place a lot. Very good museum.
04.10.20
Catherine
Really informative, but not well organized. At the beginning not much description and at the last floor a lot of description and not much of the items. Seems like it was not modernized at whole.
But if you pass through all you get some overview of th.. Read more »e history.
There is no place to store your bag pack, but you are allowed to take it with you.
16.09.20
Fredrik
Very nice exhibition presenting Bulgaria and its history all the way from 6000 years BC to modern times.
15.09.20
Kiril
The building itself is interesting as it used to be the primary residence of the dictator and last Bulgarian communist leader Todor Zhivkov. At my third visit instead of the real Panagyurishte Treasure there was a replica. The fact that I visited it.. Read more » three times kind of says enough itself.
10.09.20
Todor
A must for tourists and locals. I forgot we were in Sofia. The place is amazing and full of stories to tell. There is also a little coffee area with a view towards Vitosha mountain.
18.08.20
Eli
I have visited so many times but it still amazes me how grand the building is.. beautiful exhibits are divided in rooms according to their time period and it is always a treat to discover new additions. There is an outdoor coffee house however small .. Read more »for you to enjoy the garden.
25.06.20
Evita
Tickets are pretty expensive 10 levas for one person and we was able to see only 1.5 floor with poor collection of guns and tons of church items. Maybe it's worth to rename place church history museum?
Workers was quite aggressive about followi.. Read more »ng arrows when inside giant room was only 4 people including me and husband. If some granny want to see something first I really don't see a problem in that.
Masks are obligated. Even if you are the only one in whole museum, what doesn't make sense. For example, if you wear mask only on your mouth it's fine (doesn't matter, that it is not protecting anyone).
Even if it is no other visitors even old people are not allowed to sit (even if no one is near) on my eyes museum worker said that it's not allowed to sit on sofas or chairs, they are only for workers (yeah, all 5 of them in one room).
Not enough of lights if you want to see coins and stand just in front of them all what you will see is shadow. It is if you got lucky and glass is clear.
Overall we with husband had little bit of disappointment taste. Overpriced one and half floor. Was hoping for more.
05.02.20
Will
Nice little museum. It's not huge, but it's an interesting tour or Bulgarian history in an old communist building. It's in a nice area as well, with some pretty views.
4.3 / 107
