The National Museum “Land and People,” established in 1987 and situated in the central part of Sofia, offers a fascinating exploration of minerals from around the globe. Encompassing an area of 5,500 sq. m, the museum boasts an extensive collection of 27,000 exhibits distributed across seven permanent expositions.
On the first floor, visitors encounter the “Giant Crystals” exhibit, showcasing rare and massive crystals, such as quartz, apatite, and fluorite. Adjacent to this, the “Minerals of the Earth” exhibition presents the diverse array of minerals found worldwide, including some exceptionally rare species. The first floor also houses the collection of Petar Tranteev, a pioneer in Bulgaria’s caving movement, featuring specimens collected over 45 years, including captivating cave pearls.
The second floor delves into Bulgaria’s mineral wealth, with 291 samples representing the country’s mineral species. Regional exhibits highlight minerals from Vitosha, Kremikovtsi, Madzharovo, and others, showcasing their unique characteristics. Another engaging exposition on the second floor focuses on mineral resources specific to Bulgaria.
A particularly captivating section for visitors is the exposition dedicated to precious stones, where a comprehensive display includes various precious stones in both natural and processed forms. The museum provides a thorough overview of precious stones, offering insight into their natural beauty and rarity.
Prices:
Adults: BGN 6.00
Pupils, students and pensioners: BGN 3.00.
Family ticket: BGN 10.00.
Organized groups (10 or more visitors): BGN 2.00.
Educational corner for children and adults: BGN 1.00.
Work time:
Monday – Sunday:
10:00 – 18:00
The administration of the museum:
Monday – Friday:
08:30 – 17:00
