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.Amongst 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. Sometimes these are on 'world tour' and so only replicas can be seen, but you'll get the picture.
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 more recent addition to the costume collection includes the wedding dress worn by Princess Kalina, daughter of Simeon Saxe Coburg Gotha (Bulgaria's last King, exiled at the age of 6 in 1946, returned to Bulgaria and was elected Prime Minister in 2001)
Located in the outskirts of Sofia, in the upmarket Boyana district, the museum cannot be reached on foot. Take the number 63 or 111 buses, the number 2 trolley bus or a taxi. It is worth it, just to see the majestic setting of the former dictator's residence.