National Historical Museum
Национален исторически музей
Bulgaria's largest museum, holding hundreds of thousands of artifacts including the Thracian gold treasures. It sits in the Boyana district at the foot of Mount Vitosha.
The National History Museum was founded in 1973 and moved in 2000 into the former government residence in the Boyana district. Its collection exceeds 650,000 pieces, covering prehistory, the Thracians, ancient Rome, the First and Second Bulgarian Kingdoms, and modern history. Highlights include Thracian gold vessels (some are replicas or rotate on display, so check on-site), medieval gold and silver work, and religious art. Large gardens surround the building, and on clear days you can see Vitosha from here. A combined ticket with Boyana Church is available. The two sites are about 1.5 km apart, roughly 20 minutes by taxi from the city center.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:30–18:00 (earlier in winter; check website)
Nearby sights
- Boyana Church
- Boyana Waterfall
- Zlatnite Mostove (Golden Bridges)
- National Palace of Culture (NDK)
- Vitosha Boulevard
- St Nedelya Church
- Seven Saints Church
- Church of St. George Rotunda