Everything You Need to Know About Plovdiv Museums
Plovdiv is a treasure trove of culture and history. One cannot truly experience the essence of Plovdiv without delving into its remarkable museums. With numerous exhibits showcasing art, archaeology, and local heritage, Plovdiv museums offer a captivating journey through time. In this blog, we will guide you through everything you need to know about the Plovdiv museums.
We’ll also highlight some of our favorite museums, like the Ancient Theatre, The Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis, and several Revival Houses, including the Balabanov House, the Hindliyan House, and the Nedkovich House. Whether you’re an art buff or a history enthusiast, these museums have something for everyone.
This website contains affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Ancient Plovdiv
Stepping into Ancient Plovdiv feels like entering a time capsule. This open-air museum takes you on a journey through the city’s rich history, spanning over 8,000 years. As you wander through the cobblestone streets and marvel at the beautifully preserved architecture, you can almost hear echoes of the past.
Ancient Theatre
The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis was built in 90 A.D. It was discovered and reconstructed by archaeologists in the 1980s. With 28 rows of marble seats and a horseshoe-shaped orchestra surrounding the stage, the theatre could seat up to 6,000 spectators and was used for various performances. Today, it is a symbol of Plovdiv’s culture and is used for opera, music, and drama performances, as well as the International Folklore Festival, the Opera Festival “Opera Open,” and the Rock Festival “Sounds of Ages.”
Roman Stadium
The ancient stadium of Philippopolis was built in the early 2nd century A.D. during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. It lies between the western slope of Taximtepe and the eastern slope of Sahattepe, and is considered one of the most remarkable structures in the city from that period. The stadium was around 240 meters long and 50 meters wide, with a seating capacity of up to 30,000 people. The seats were arranged in 14 tiers, divided by stepped aisles that led to the track. The seats were made of white marble, with some decorated with stylized lion paws. Only the northern part of the stadium, called the sphendone, is open to the public, as it was excavated in the 1970s.
The Small Early Christian Basilica
Archaeologists have recently discovered a small early Christian basilica while constructing “Maria Louisa” Boulevard. The basilica is adjacent to a fortification wall with a tower dating back to the 2nd to 4th century AD.
The basilica comprises a central nave flanked by two aisles, one apse, and a narthex. It was built in the second half of the 5th century AD and is decorated with rich architectural details such as marble colonnades, a marble altar wall, and synthronos.
After the basilica was burnt down, it was reconstructed and renovated. It was in use until the end of the 6th century AD. Excavation works revealed two donor inscriptions; one was carved on the lining marble slab from the altar of the basilica, and the other was shaped in the mosaic of red tesserae on a white background opposite the altar apse.
The Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis
The Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis was discovered during archaeological excavations from 1982 to 1986. The basilica was fully unearthed later on, between 2016 and 2017. It’s an impressive structure with three naves and an apse located to the east. On the other side is a uniquely shaped narthex and atrium to the west. The basilica spans an area of approximately 83 meters in length and 36 meters in width. Its interiors are luxurious and feature mosaic floors that cover a total area of over 2000 sq.m. The mosaic floors are unique, combining various influences from local cultures, traditions, and resources.
This basilica is one of Bulgaria’s largest basilicas from the 4th to 6th century. It’s also one of the most representative early Christian sites, providing valuable information about the history of early Christianity and the development of Christian art in the Balkans and Europe.
Since January 20, 2018, it has been included in the Republic of Bulgaria’s UNESCO Cultural and Natural Heritage Tentative list. It’s part of the Serial property called “The Bishop’s Basilica and Late-Antique Mosaics of Philippopolis, Roman Province of Thrace.”
Ancient Peristyle Building “Eirene”
Archaeologists have recently discovered a peristyle building in ancient Philippopolis, now situated in the center of Plovdiv, under the “Archaeological” underpass. The building was found during the underpass construction and was identified as a residential complex belonging to a man named Desiderius. The impressive and colorful mosaics on the floors suggest that the owner was not an ordinary man.
The peristyle building was on a whole block, or “insula,” surrounded by four streets. The main representative rooms surrounded the courtyard in the eastern part of the building. The service buildings were located in the southwest corner of the insula, and lots of broken pottery was found there. Later, an apse was built as part of the main entrance space of the representative area.
All rooms in the representative part of the house had colorful mosaic floors created using the opus tessellatum technique. The central room featured a mosaic image of a woman, with the inscription “EIRHNH” beneath it. The building was named after this inscription, which means peace.
Revival Houses in Plovdiv
In addition to its ancient history, Plovdiv is known for its stunning revival houses. Each one tells a unique story, reflecting the wealth and prosperity of its former owners. Additionally, these houses are now home to some of the city’s best museuems.
Balabanov House
The Balabanov House is a symmetrical Plovdiv house with intricate architectural details and ornamental designs. It was built by a wealthy Bulgarian trader named Hadzhi Panayot Lampsha in the early 19th century. The house is quite spacious, covering an area of 546 square meters.
Visitors must pass through a large gate on the street side and a wide door leading to the yard to enter the house. The upper floor is accessed by an inside ladder that leads to a sizable glassy saloon surrounded by four unique rooms with restored antique furniture. The house was demolished in the 1930s but reconstructed in the 1970s by architect Hristo Peev.
Today, it features a permanent exhibition of modern Bulgarian art on the ground floor. In contrast, the second floor displays a Revival period interior and hosts cultural events like exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances, and literature premieres.
Hindliyan House
Stepan Hindliyan’s house was built in 1834-1835 in Plovdiv by unknown builders. It’s one of the few houses with preserved original symmetric design and has an impressive relationship with its neighbor, Balabanov’s house.
The yard has several farm buildings, a bathroom, and a basement. The ground floor has a rectangular hall, three large rooms, a bay window, a bathroom, a changing room, and a staircase. The artistic decoration has elaborate lines on walls and ceilings, surviving intact over the years. The house walls are painted with naive landscapes from different cities. A mirror image of the house can be seen above the storage room door, serving as decoration and a blueprint. Another image above the kitchen door serves the same purpose.
Nedkovich House
The house of Nikola Nedkovich, a wealthy fabric merchant from Karlovo, was built in 1863. It’s one of the few houses in the historic reserve with original artifacts. The symmetric Plovdiv house has two floors, a high ground floor, and a beautiful gate. The unique ground floor features preserved ceiling carvings and murals. The upper floor has Western European period furniture. The yard has an underground tunnel and a covered passage.
The house became a museum after restoration in 1964-1969 and 2005. It is now an immovable cultural and historical architectural value of national significance.
Zlatyu Boyadzhiev Gallery
Dr. Stoyan Chomakov was a medical doctor and a prominent public figure during Bulgaria’s National Revival. He strongly advocated for an autonomous Bulgarian Church. The Chomakov House, built from 1862 to 1865, is one of the most notable monuments in Plovdiv, reflecting the popular Neoclassical style of that time. The house’s exterior is impressive, featuring a central rhizolith and a light balcony on the upper floor. The ground floor comprises four symmetrical rooms, two pantries, and a corridor leading to a bath and kitchen with a large fireplace.
Since 1984, the Chomakov House has housed the most extensive collection of 72 paintings by the famous Bulgarian artist Zlatyu Boyadzhiev (1903-1976), representing two distinct periods in his professional life.
Pharmacy Museum Hippocrates
The 1872 house was built by Dr. Sotir Antoniadi with a pharmacy on the ground floor. The residential part had an asymmetrical layout, with a narrow corridor and double-wing staircase leading to the family’s floor. The ceilings had rosettes and floral ornaments, showing modern functionality for intellectuals from the National Revival era. The old pharmacy is now a museum exhibition called “Old Pharmacy Hippocrates” with antique romantic style decor.
Stambolyan House
Veren Stambolyan’s house was constructed in the latter half of the 19th century. It is a spacious and symmetrical two-story building located on the eastern slope of Dzhambaz Tepe. The Union of Bulgarian Artists and the Society of Plovdiv Artists used this building as a creative center for a few years.
Since May 2010, the Stambolyan House has been hosting a permanent exhibition of the works of the renowned artist Dimitar Kirov (1935-2008). Kirov was among the artists in Plovdiv who played a critical role in modernizing Bulgarian art during the 1960s.
Klianti House
The Klianti House is a two-story building constructed in 1816. It is one of the oldest surviving houses from the Bulgarian Revival period. The house features artistic decorations on the residential floor, including wooden sculptures, polychrome geometric patterns, and colorful inlays dating back to 1817. The walls have richly decorated niches, cupboards, and backgammon wooden doors. Nowadays, the municipality owns the house.
Regional Museums in Plovdiv
Among the many museums in Plovdiv, the Regional Museums stand out as significant cultural landmarks.
Regional Archaeological Museum
The Regional Archaeological Museum located in Plovdiv is a significant cultural institution in Bulgaria that has a rich history. It was established as an archaeological-numismatic collection office in 1882 and later transformed into a full-fledged Archaeological Museum in 1920. The museum is home to an extensive collection of artifacts and human art that sheds light on the history of Plovdiv District and the town of Plovdiv, making it one of the largest collections of its kind.
Regional History Museum – Exposition “The Unification of Bulgaria of 1885”
An exposition titled “The Unification of Bulgaria of 1885” is currently being held at the Province Assembly building in East Rumelia. The exhibition showcases the period from the Treaty of Berlin (1878) to the Serbo-Bulgarian War of 1885.
It includes five halls covering an area of 900 m². It showcases authentic exhibits such as personal belongings, award tokens, cold steel, firearms, photos, and documents of the Unification and the Serbo-Bulgarian War participants.
The Unification was an act of the Bulgarian public, a unique example of the masses and their leaders’ concerted efforts. It led to a final solution to the Bulgarian national issue: the unity of all lands inhabited by Bulgarians in one single Motherland.
Regional History Museum – Exposition “Book Publishing in 19th and 20th century”
The House-museum of Hristo Gruev Danov, founder of modern Bulgarian book publishing, is located in Plovdiv. The museum showcases unique printed books from the Bulgarian National Revival in six halls and traces the development of education. Visitors can see a replica of a classroom from the time of the Bulgarian National Revival, an exact setting of Hristo Danov’s study, printing equipment, a platen machine, and an original photo of the printing house of Hristo Danov in Plovdiv. The building is an architectural and historical monument of national importance. The section on “Book publishing in Bulgaria in the second half of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century” holds more than 5,000 volumes of books, unique publications, geographic maps, school pictures, and aids, items of everyday life, personal belongings and correspondence of Hristo Danov and his publishing house.
Regional History Museum – Exposition “The Bulgarian National Revival”
The Georgiadi House is a cultural monument of national importance located in the Architectural and Historical Reserve “Ancient Plovdiv” (The Old Town). It was built in 1848 and is an example of the widely-spread Plovdiv symmetric house. The house was restored in 1961 and again in 2006-2007 by the government of Japan and UNESCO and is open to the public.
The Georgiadi House has a museum exposition called “The Bulgarian National Revival” that spans an area of 825 m2, composed of ten halls and two salons. Visitors can experience the town’s past through the rich material, documentary, and photo evidence of the exposition, which covers the time of foreign rule and the preservation of the Bulgarian people’s national identity, which is widely spread.
Regional History Museum – Musium Center of Modern History
Originally built in 1895 as an officer’s club, the building now houses the Museum Centre of Modern History. The museum has a fully equipped hall for events and exhibitions, including a permanent exhibition, “The Soul of the Japanese Doll.” The exhibition displays popular Japanese dolls for girls, such as Hina Ningyo and Tango no Sekku, and showcases the importance of dolls in Japanese culture. The exhibition was made possible by partnering with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japanese Embassy in Bulgaria.
Regional Ethnographic Museum
Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum is the second largest specialized museum of this type in Bulgaria. It is an acknowledged scientific-educational institution and an attractive center for cultural tourism. The museum was established in 1917 and since 1938, it has been located in Kuyumdzhieva house, a cultural monument of national significance.
Regional Natural History Museum
After the renovations, the Regional Museum of Natural History in Plovdiv now boasts the country’s most extensive and diverse aquarium. It is home to 216 fish species, octopuses, and marine invertebrates. Additionally, there is a terrarium that houses live spiders, amphibians, and reptiles and a hall featuring live tropical butterflies. Visitors can also enjoy the digital planetarium, which showcases the vast and mysterious world of space. The planetarium has a large dome with a diameter of 8 meters and can accommodate up to 50 people.
Galleries in Plovdiv
Plovdiv is home to several art galleries that offer a diverse range of artistic experiences. Whether you’re a lover of contemporary art or have a taste for classical masterpieces, Plovdiv has something to cater to every aesthetic inclination.
City Gallery of Fine Arts – Bulgarian Art Permanent Exhibition
The exposition is in the Young Girls’ College building. It features over 200 original artworks that trace the development of Bulgarian art from the National Revival up to the present day. The Plovdiv collection is one of the richest collections of artistic works from the country’s early periods of Bulgarian art development. It includes the works of great Revival artists who worked before and in the first years after the liberation.
City Gallery of Fine Arts – Icons Permanent Exhibition
This text describes an exhibition of impressive icons, wealth funds, and Christian art from the Plovdiv region and South Bulgaria. The exhibition includes valuable works from the fifteenth to nineteenth centuries, such as eight icons from Nessebar and works by artists from the Samokov, Tryavna, and Bansko Art Schools. The exhibition also features copies of Athon’s miraculous icons and church plates used by Bulgarian pilgrims. The Icon Hall hosts thematic exhibitions of symbolic Christian art.
City Gallery of Fine Arts – Tsanko Lavrenov and Mexican Art Permanent Exhibitions
City Gallery of Fine Arts – Encho Pironkov Paintings Permanent Exhibition
City Art Gallery – Permanent Exposition Georgi Bozhilov – Slona
The Skobeleva House is a Renaissance-style house in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, built in 1860 by Kostadin Kaftandzhiyata. Olga Skobeleva, mother of General Mihail Skobelev, lived here until her death. She was known for her charity work and affection towards the Thrace orphans, earning her the respect of “Mother of Skobelev.” A memorial park now stands at the place of her death. The house features a permanent exposition dedicated to artist Georgi Bozhilov-Slona, with 47 canvases. The facade of the house on Saborna Str. It features a memorial mural, painting, and mosaic designed by Dimitar Kirov in memory of Georgi Bozhilov.
City Gallery of Fine Arts – Temporary Exhibition Halls
The exhibition spaces are in a building with typical urban architecture from the early 20th century. On both floors of the halls, temporary exhibitions relating to the anniversaries of noteworthy Bulgarian artists and the history and issues of the country’s cultural life are displayed. This space also presents exhibitions of foreign artists, experimental exhibitions, and children’s exhibitions.
City Gallery of Fine Arts – Banya Starinna (the Ancient Baths) Contemporary Art Halls
The Chifte Hamam, an old Turkish bath, is a remarkable architectural monument from the 16th century. It is situated near the northern entrances of the Three Hills. The bath was operational in the 1980s but has since been under restoration. In 1999, it underwent partial restoration and was transformed into a Center for Contemporary Art.
City Gallery of Fine Arts – Kapana Gallery
The Kapana Gallery is one of the latest art exhibition spaces of the City Gallery of Fine Arts in Plovdiv. It has been open since the summer of 2019 and is located near the creative district of Kapana. The gallery is spread over two floors with an area of almost 500 square meters and is equipped to showcase both traditional and contemporary art.
City Gallery of Fine Arts – 2019 Exhibition Hall
Plovdiv’s most spacious exhibition hall is called the “2019 Hall”, named after the city’s title of European Capital of Culture in 2019. It is in the city center, next to Tsar Simeon’s Garden. The hall is spread over two open levels and covers an area of 625 square meters. The mesmerizing skylight roof provides a beautiful diffuse light, making it an ideal space for large temporary exhibitions featuring classical and contemporary works.
In addition to hosting exhibitions, the 2019 Hall is also suitable for conferences, presentations, chamber concerts, and stage performances. The building also includes a separate conference room for up to 40 people.
Museum Ticket Information
If you’re planning a visit to Plovdiv, the city of museums, here is some useful ticket information to make your experience hassle-free.
Visits to One Tourist Site
Adults:
All tourist sites, except the Bishop‘s Basilica – 5 BGN
For the Bishop‘s Basilica – 12 BGN
School child or student:
All tourist sites, with the exception of the Bishop‘s Basilica – 2 BGN
For the Bishop‘s Basilica of Philippopolis – 5 BGN
For children aged up to 7 and disabled persons with disability of more than 50 % – a free visit
Family ticket (parents with children aged 7 to 16):
All tourist sites, with the exception of the Bishop‘s Basilica – 10 BGN
For the Bishop‘s Basilica – 24 BGN
Per adults, when a group of more than 10 people:
All tourist sites, except the Bishop‘s Basilica – 4 BGN/ per person
For the Bishop‘s basilica of Philippopolis – 10 BGN/ per person
Per school child or student, when a group of more than 10 people:
All tourist sites, except the Bishop‘s Basilica – 1 BGN
For the Bishop‘s Basilica of Philippopolis – 3 BGN
For individual and group visits to the Roman Stadium – The Sphendone (Rome Stadium Square) by adults and students – free visit
Admissions fees at the Roman stadium – The Sphendone (Rome Stadium Square) – 3D cinema hall:
Per adult – 6 BGN
Per adult, when a group of more than 10 people – 4.8 BGN
Per adult, when group of more than 20 people – 3.6 BGN
Per school child or student – 2.4 BGN
Per school child or student, when a group of more than 10 people – 1.2 BGN
For children aged up to 7 and the disabled person with a disability of more than 50 % – a free visit
Combined Ticket
Combined ticket for visiting up to 5 sites (except the Small Basilica and the Bishop‘s Basilica of Philippopolis):
Per adult – 15 BGN
Per adult, when a group of more than 10 people – 14 BGN
Per school child and student – 5 BGN
Per school child and student, when a group of more than 10 people – 4 BGN
Family combined ticket /parents with children aged 7 to 16 – 30 BGN
Combined ticket – valid for visiting up to 5 sites + 3D projection hall at the Roman stadium – The Sphendone (Rome Stadium Square) (except the Small Basilica and the Bishop‘s Basilica of Philippopolis):
Per adult – 19 BGN
Per adult, when a group of more than 10 – 18 BGN
Per school child or student – 7 BGN
Per school child or student when a group of more than 10 people – 6 BGN
Family combined ticket/parents with children aged 7 to 16/, for 5 sites of choice in the Old town, except the Small Basilica and the Bishop‘s Basilica of Philippopolis + 3D projection hall at the Roman stadium – 38 BGN
Combined ticket valid for the Eastern sector of the Roman stadium (commercial building at “Knyaz Alexander I” Str. No. 11) +3D projection hall at the Roman stadium – The Sphendone (Rome Stadium Square):
Per adult – 6 BGN
Per adult, when a group of more than 10 people/per person – 5 BGN
Per adult, when a group of more than 20 people/per person – 4 BGN
Per school child or student – 3 BGN
Per school child or student, when a group of more than 10 people – 2 BGN
Family combined ticket/parents with children aged 7 to 16 / – 12 BGN
Attractions Participating in the Combined Ticket
The following attractions participate in the Combined Ticket:
-
- Ancient Theatre
- Balabanov House
- Hindliyan House
- Nedkovich House
- Ziatyu Bayazdhiev Permanent Exhibition
- Hippocrates Pharmacy Museum
- Stambolyan House
- Kilianti House
How to Purchase the Combined Ticket
The Combined Ticket can be purchased at the Tourist Information Center located at ul. “Rayko Daskalov” 1, 4000 Tsentar in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
How does it work?
Once you have your Combined Ticket, simply present it at participating attractions for hassle-free entry. The Ticket is valid for entry to any 5 of the 8 attractions.
Where Is the Best Place to Stay In Plovdiv?
Hotels in Plovdiv
If you are planning a trip to Plovdiv, there are plenty of excellent places to stay. However, for the best experience, we strongly recommend staying in Kapana. It’s the trendy neighborhood between the Old Town and the City Center. The charm and ambiance of the Old Town are nice, but there are far more food and drink options in Kapana – and a pedestrian tunnel connects the two together! The castle marker on the map below is the heart of the Kapana District, with the best restaurants nearby. We suggest staying as close to it as possible, depending on your budget and preferences.
The below interactive map provides hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.
Book your stay now!
FAQs About Plovdiv Museums
Is the Combined Ticket worth it?
The Combined Ticket is for anyone wanting to explore multiple Plovdiv museums. The ticket costs 15 BGN and includes a visit to 5 of the 8 participating museums. Admission to the museums is 5 BGN each. You will save 10 BGN by purchasing the Combined Ticket if you visit five participating museums.
How many museums are there in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria boasts a rich cultural heritage with numerous museums scattered throughout the country. While it is difficult to provide an exact count, the number of museums in Bulgaria is impressive. From art and history to archaeology and natural sciences, around 200 museums spread across Bulgaria cater to various interests and passions.
What is the second-largest city in Bulgaria?
Located in the heart of Bulgaria, Plovdiv proudly stands as the second-largest city in the country. Its vibrant culture, historical sites, and enchanting museums make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an immersive experience. One of the highlights of Plovdiv is its collection of captivating museums that offer glimpses into the city’s rich history and heritage.
What is the history of Plovdiv, Bulgaria?
Plovdiv, Bulgaria is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a history that dates back over 8,000 years. Various civilizations have inhabited the city, including Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Bulgarians.
Plovdiv was originally settled by the Thracian tribe, the Odrysians, in the 6th century BC. It was conquered by Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, in 342 BC, who renamed it Philippopolis in his honor. Under Roman rule, Philippopolis became an important regional center known for its well-preserved ancient theater and stadium.
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Plovdiv came under Byzantine control and later experienced periods of Bulgarian and Ottoman rule. During the Ottoman period, Plovdiv grew into an important economic and cultural center within the empire.
In 1878, after the Russo-Turkish War, Plovdiv became part of an autonomous Bulgarian region within the Ottoman Empire. It played a significant role in Bulgaria’s struggle for independence and became the capital of Eastern Rumelia. In 1885, Eastern Rumelia unified with Bulgaria, and Plovdiv remained an important city within the newly established Bulgarian state.
Throughout the 20th century, Plovdiv continued to develop as a significant industrial and cultural center in Bulgaria. Today, it is known for its rich history and well-preserved architectural heritage. The Old Town of Plovdiv, with its cobblestone streets and beautiful Revival-era houses, is a testament to the city’s past.