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National Historical Museum

The National Historical Museum is the largest museum in Bulgaria, housing over 650,000 artifacts spanning Bulgarian history from prehistoric times to the present. Located in the former residence of communist leader Todor Zhivkov in the Boyana district, the museum collection includes Thracian gold treasures, medieval manuscripts, Orthodox icons, and ethnographic exhibits. Highlights include the Panagyurishte Gold Treasure (4th century BC), one of the most valuable collections of ancient gold artifacts in the world. The building itself, set in beautiful gardens, offers insight into Bulgaria comm...

Practical Information

Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Visit Duration

Minimum2 hours
Recommended3 hours
Maximum4 hours

Entrance Fee

Adult
10 BGN~10.0 $
Student
5 BGN~5.0 $

10 BGN adults, 5 BGN students/seniors. Free: disabled+companion, preschool, May 18. Guided tours 20-35 BGN

Best Time to Visit

Morning to have time for both the museum and nearby Boyana Church. Weekdays are less crowded

Crowd Level

Moderate — comfortable
Official Website

How to Get There

Located in Boyana district, 8 km from center. Bus 63 or 111. Taxi 25-30 BGN. Combine with Boyana Church visit (5-minute walk)

What to Expect

An extensive collection of Bulgarian history in a former communist leader residence. The Thracian gold alone is worth the trip to this suburban location.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi
Available

Facilities & Services

toilets
accessible toilets
gift shop
cafe
audio guide
parking

Working Hours

Updated: Jan 6, 2026
MondayClosed
Tuesday09:00 — 18:00
Wednesday09:00 — 18:00
Thursday09:00 — 18:00
Friday09:00 — 18:00
Saturday09:00 — 18:00
Sunday09:00 — 18:00
Note

Bulgaria's largest museum in former Todor Zhivkov residence in Boyana. Closed Mondays, Jan 1, Dec 24-25. Entry 10 BGN, students 5 BGN. Last Monday of month free. May 18 (Museum Day) free entry.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access
Fully accessible

faq.title

faq.subtitle National Historical Museum

The Panagyurishte Treasure, a 4th-century BC Thracian gold collection weighing over 6 kg, is the museum most famous exhibit and one of the most valuable ancient gold finds in the world.

The museum moved in 2000 to the former residence of communist leader Todor Zhivkov. While inconvenient, the location near Boyana Church makes for a good combined excursion.

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting National Historical Museum

Allow 2-3 hours for the full collection. The Thracian gold treasures are a must-see. Combine with Boyana Church (UNESCO) just a short walk away. Card and cash accepted.

Located in Boyana district, 8 km from center. Bus 63 or 111. Taxi 25-30 BGN. Combine with Boyana Church visit (5-minute walk)

An extensive collection of Bulgarian history in a former communist leader residence. The Thracian gold alone is worth the trip to this suburban location.

Reviews

Weather

Average temperature by month

Nowweather-5°
49%7 м/с
Todayweather1°-6°
Tomorrowweather6°1°
Thuweather6°0°
Friweather5°1°
Satweather3°0°
Sunweather1°-3°
Monweather-1°-3°
4°
-4°Jan
7°
-2°Feb
11°
1°Mar
17°
5°Apr
21°
10°May
25°
13°Jun
28°
15°Jul
28°
15°Aug
23°
11°Sep
18°
6°Oct
11°
2°Nov
5°
-2°Dec

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