Museums in Veliko Tarnovo

Considering Veliko Tarnovo has a rich cultural history, it’s not surprising that its museums reflect the historical stories and treasures found in the region; even the buildings themselves have their own contribution to the old capital’s narrative. Here is the start of a three part guide to Museums in Veliko Tarnovo.

Top Tips for Museums in Veliko Tarnovo

Unless your Bulgarian language is pretty fluent, you might struggle with the descriptions of artifacts and explanations as not everything is labelled in English in the majority of the museums. You can, however, for an extra expense, hire a guide service for around 20-30 Leva.
On the last Thursday of every month, all the museums offer FREE entry except for the Wax Museum.
Although some attendants are not so strict, be aware that you might have to pay an extra fee (5lv) for taking photographs.
Two day individual ticket for 10 museum tickets 20 Leva
Two day family ticket (up to 3 children)for 10 museum tickets 30 Leva

Archaeological Museum

When you walk into the courtyard of the Archaeological Museum, you’re met with an assortment of Roman sculptures, many of which come from nearby Nikopolis ad Istrum, as do some of the clay objects on display. Inside this impressive, old building are historical relics from prehistoric to Medieval times. One of the most treasured exhibits is one of the oldest pieces of gold in the world (found in a local village, Hotnitsa) which dates back to 4100 BC. Other highlights include Tarnovo ceramics, pottery, tools and jewellery from prominent Bulgarian rulers.

Open: 09:00-18:00 April-October – 09:00-17:30 November-March – Closed Mon

Additional Information: Admission 6 Leva (Adults) 2 Leva (Students)
Children under 7 – free

Address: Ivanka Boteva Str. 2, Veliko Tarnovo

Website

The Museum of The Bulgarian Revival and the Constituent Assembly

Adjacent to the Archaeological Museum is the building where, in 1879, played its part in hosting the Constituent National Assembly of the Third Bulgarian State (formally, the Turkish Town Hall, Konak). Here you can see the recently refurbished, magnificent parliament room where the first Bulgarian Constitution was formulated. Two other floors have exhibits of old photos, documents, art and objects from 15th to the 19th centuries and a vast collection of icon paintings which contribute to the background of the region’s struggle from the Ottoman Empire and the economic development of the region during the Revival period.

Open: 9:00am-18:00pm April to October – 9:00am-17:30pm November to March – Closed Tue 9:00am-12:00pm

Additional Info: Admission 6 leva(adults) 2 leva(students)
Children under 7 – free

Address: ul Ivanka Botev

Website

Tsarevgrad Tarnov (Multimedia Wax Museum)

By far the most modern and kid-friendly museum is the Multi-Media Visitor Centre, also known as the Wax Museum. Here you’ll find a unique collection of medieval, wax characters – clergy, soldiers, craftspeople and rulers – set within authentic scenes. Walk through important figures from the Middle Ages including: ordinary peasant’s homes, a medieval chapel, the Throne Hall of Tsar Ivan Assen II, Tsar Kaloyan’s Coronation ceremony and a reproduction of the Tsarvet’s Defence Battle. Information is in English and you can also get to grips with history using their interactive computers.