Cities
Bulgaria Sofia Central Sofia Museum

National Museum of Natural History

National Museum of Natural History
About

Founded in 1889, the National Museum of Natural History in Sofia is the oldest and most extensive institution of its kind on the Balkan Peninsula. Affiliated with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, it houses over a million specimens, including mammals, birds, insects, minerals, and fossils from Bulgaria and around the world. Originally established as the personal collection of Prince Ferdinand, the museum has grown into a vital centre for biodiversity research and environmental education. Its exhibitions span multiple floors, showcasing extinct species, rare minerals, and reconstructions of prehistoric life. Highlights include the Caroline parakeet, the monk seal, and a vast mineralogical collection representing a quarter of the world’s known minerals. The museum also publishes scientific journals and supports conservation initiatives. Located on Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard in central Sofia, it offers a rich, immersive experience for visitors of all ages—where science, nature, and history converge in one of the city’s most enduring cultural landmarks.

Sofia Bulgaria
Location

The National Museum of Natural History in Sofia is located at 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, right in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible by foot or public transport. Founded in 1889 and affiliated with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, it is the oldest and largest museum of its kind on the Balkans, boasting nearly a million and a half specimens of animals, plants, and minerals from Bulgaria and around the world. The museum’s four floors and fifteen halls feature impressive displays, including extinct species, rare mammals, birds, and fascinating dioramas of global habitats. Its central location places visitors within walking distance of Sofia’s major attractions, such as the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Art Gallery, the Russian Church, and the city’s lively pedestrian boulevards lined with shops and cafés. This prime setting makes the museum a perfect stop for tourists eager to explore Sofia’s cultural and historical highlights.

National Historical Museum National Historical Museum Sofia National Archeological Museum of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences National Archeological Museum of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Sofia National Museum of Military History National Museum of Military History Sofia Earth and Man National Museum Earth and Man National Museum Sofia Sofia History Museum Sofia History Museum Sofia Museum of Socialist Art Museum of Socialist Art Sofia National Polytechnic Museum National Polytechnic Museum Sofia National Ethnographic Museum National Ethnographic Museum Sofia Vrana Palace Vrana Palace Sofia National Art Gallery National Art Gallery Sofia Ivan Vazov National Theatre Ivan Vazov National Theatre Sofia Sofia Theatre Sofia Theatre Sofia Satirical Theatre Satirical Theatre Sofia Sofia Puppet Theatre Sofia Puppet Theatre Sofia Theatre 199 Theatre 199 Sofia National Opera and Ballet National Opera and Ballet Sofia Borisova Gradina Borisova Gradina Sofia City Garden City Garden Sofia Doktorska Gradina Doktorska Gradina Sofia Zaimov Park Zaimov Park Sofia Zapaden Park Zapaden Park Sofia North Park North Park Sofia National Art Gallery National Art Gallery Sofia Sofia City Art Gallery Sofia City Art Gallery Sofia Gallery of Foreign Art Gallery of Foreign Art Sofia Shipka 6 Art Gallery Shipka 6 Art Gallery Sofia Rayko Aleksiev Gallery Rayko Aleksiev Gallery Sofia Alexander Nevsky Square Alexander Nevsky Square Sofia Slaveykov Square Slaveykov Square Sofia National Assembly Square National Assembly Square Sofia Saint Sophia Church Saint Sophia Church Sofia Rotunda of St. George Rotunda of St. George Sofia Lions' Bridge Lions' Bridge Sofia Largo Archaeological Complex Largo Archaeological Complex Sofia Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Sofia Boyana Church Boyana Church Sofia

User attributes