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Museums & Galleries

Museums & Galleries
Summer 2011 saw the opening of two fascinating new museums in Sofia, bringing some much needed sparkle to the capital's cultural offerings. Up to now the focus of interest has been Bulgaria's ancient history, in particular the spectacular gold treasures to be found in the National History and Archaeological Museums. The new Museum of Socialist Art heralds a new era in attitudes towards museum management, as Bulgaria realises it does not have to bury its recent history but can instead turn it into a tourist attraction.

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Alexander Nevsky Crypt Museum

Alexander Nevsky Crypt Museum
The cool and silent crypt below the cathedral provides an imposing home for 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. Read_on (No Comments)

Archaeological Museum

Archaeological Museum
The oldest museum in Bulgaria, the museum of the archeological institute has been in its present location the ‘Bujuk (Big) Mosque’ since 1899. Read_on (No Comments)

Earth and Man Museum

Earth and Man Museum
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. Read_on (No Comments)

Ethnographic Museum

Ethnographic Museum
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. Read_on (No Comments)

Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum of Contemporary Art
The beautifully restored building of the Sofia Arsenal has recently become home to the city's Museum of Contemporary Art. As yet unfinished, only the ground floor is open for temporary exhibitions, as work continues on the restoration of the upper floor. Read_on (No Comments)

Museum of Socialist Art

Museum of Socialist Art
New museum showcasing art from the Socialist period (1944-1989). A large outdoor sculpture park has everything from the giant statue of Lenin that once stood in the centre of the city to the red star that topped the Socialist party headquarters. Read_on (No Comments)

National Art Gallery

National Art Gallery
Currently closed for renovations to the building until Spring 2012, the art gallery, which was established in 1948, has over 12,000 examples of Bulgarian art from the 19th and 20th century in its funds. Read_on (No Comments)

National Gallery for Foreign Art

National Gallery for Foreign Art
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. Read_on (No Comments)

National History Museum

National History Museum
22,000 exhibits show the development of social, cultural and political life on Bulgarian soil. From the first prehistoric settlements Read_on (No Comments)

National Military History Museum

National Military History Museum
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. Read_on (No Comments)

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum
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. Read_on (No Comments)

Sofia City Art Gallery

Sofia City Art Gallery
This modernist concrete block, originally a casino till 1944, became the home of the City Gallery in the 1970s, although the gallery itself was founded in1928 and was first known as The City Museum. Read_on (No Comments)