Varna Museum of Archaeology

I didn't have many expectations before my visit, but I must sincerely say that it is one of the best historical / archeological museums I have seen so far! Very well curated, a lot of objects on display, a lot of information (all of it in Bulgarian and translated into English). I stayed there 4 hours to really enjoy the whole permanent and temporary exhibition. Ticket price is 10 BGN. Cards accepted.

Great museum with lots to see inside! Our guide from the museum was excellent, she gave us a good idea of the history and customs of this beautiful country. Housed in this museum is a gold treasure from Varna Necropolis (4600-4200BC), as well as many other interesting artifacts, such as the remains of the original basilica in Varna.

Great place to visit and go through the history and how boarders were changing over years. It would been great to have a guide and there is a lot of information on boards that you can read. Kids were happy to learn the history through archeology

What a magnificent place. Ten lev entry fee and a couple of hours later your brain is crammed full of the complete history of Varna and Bulgaria. Some really interesting little tales to tell and some excellent artifacts. I like all the gold! An absolute must visit!

This museum has amazing artifacts. The first level that covers the prehistoric, Hellenistic, Roman periods is absolutely stunning. Good use of juxtaposition and storytelling. I loved the timeline with some of significant artifacts. Kudos to the team who worked on this section! What a shame I can't say the same for the second level. It feels like thre's no clear and engaging continuity to the history of the region of Varna other than some singular (the proto-bulgars) and with little-context-given exhibitions (the icon exhibition). What about the Ottoman period? There's very little if no attention given to the Renaissance and modern times. What about the Balcanic wars, WWI and WWII?

Excellently selected items that are well displayed and explained. There's a lot here but it didn't overwhelm me like many other history museums. This museum does a great job of putting Varna "on the map" (pre-historically, historically, and geographically) starting around the 6th Millennium BC up to the 19th century. Highlights for me included: the gold found in the burial sites, the wall-sized maps explaining the connections between Varna and the region's politics and trade, and the collection of everyday items from the Greek and Roman times. This grand building looks great from the outside but the glory has faded on the interior and could use a refresh. I found the plants in the corridors in between the galleries a pleasant surprise. (cared for by the museum staff?). Note: no coat check, no on-site cafe.

The most interesting museum in Varna. Absolutely recommend for visiting for everyone who will stay in Bulgaria. You can find there exhibits from paleolithic age!, exhibits from Varna Eneolith necropolis, there are two floors to explore! And of course, you can find there the most precious exhibits like golden earrings with the image of goddess Nikki from the 4th-3rd century BC.

This museum is absolutely a “must see” in Varna! Yes, there are many things to see and do here, but the holdings of this museum are exceptional and it’s well worth the time to learn Varna’s history. The displays are so well done, and the artifacts themselves of high quality. You’ll start with pre-history and work through two floors to the Middle Ages. There are a number of collections: a coin collection that is world class, a stunning icon collection, and fabulous Greek, Thracian, and Roman artifacts. There’s also a very cool exhibit on underwater archaeology. You can do this museum quickly, but taking the time to read the info boards (Bulgarian and English) will provide an excellent overall history of Varna and Bulgaria. It’s a shame there were only a few of us there today! This museum is a real treasure! Just go!