National Museum of Natural History

Overview

The National Museum of Natural History is the oldest and richest natural history museum in the Balkans, founded in 1889 by Knyaz Ferdinand. It displays Bulgaria's remarkable biodiversity alongside paleontological, geological, and entomological collections.

Highlights

• Deinotherium Skull: A massive skull of this prehistoric elephant ancestor, found in Bulgaria.
• Balkan Wildlife: Dioramas of Brown Bears, wolves, and other Balkan wildlife in naturalistic settings.
• Mineral Collection: Beautiful minerals from Bulgaria's mines, including unique specimens.

History

Founded in 1889 by Bulgaria's first ruler Knyaz Ferdinand—himself an avid naturalist—the museum was initially housed in a wing of the royal palace. It moved to its current neoclassical building on Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard in 1934.

Visitor Tips

• Family-Friendly: Great for children, with interactive displays and lifelike animal dioramas.
• Central Location: Located right on the main boulevard, easy to combine with other sights.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.