From breathtaking Thracian gold treasures to ancient marble statues to exquisite medieval murals - the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences is a veritable treasure trove covering from the dawn of prehistory in Bulgaria to the 18th century. Bulgaria's largest archaeological museum was founded in 1878-1879 as a collection to the first library in Sofia. In 1892 it became a People's Museum and in 1921 was created the Bulgarian Archaeology Institute. The museum's permanent exhibition is in an emblematic historical landmark - an old mosque from the 15th century. 

Gold mask of the Thracian king, Teres

Visit for:

• Paleolithic engraved bone that is possibly the oldest engraved object discovered in Europe
• Ceramic figurine of a bull and a rider from the Eneolithic period
• The enigmatic Valchitran Treasure made of over 12 kg of gold
• The exquisite horse harness decorations from the Lukovit Treasure
• The spectacular golden funeral mask of the Thracian King Teres
• The intriguing Ancient Roman sarcophagi and tombstones
• The replica of the Early Medieval Madara Horseman relief
• The expressive colours and figures of medieval sgraffito pottery

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