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Varna Regional Museum of History, Department of Archaeology

Contact Info

Varna Regional Museum of History, Department of Archaeology (= Varna Archaeological Museum)

 

Official website: https://www.archaeo.museumvarna.com

Adress: 41 Maria Luisa Blvd., 9000 Varna, Bulgaria

Phone: + 359 52 681030

E-mail: rimvarna@abv.bg

Winter working hours

10:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.

Closed on  Sunday and monday

Summer working hours

10:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. 

  
  
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About

The beginning of Archaeological research in Varna was closely connected with the names of two erudite teachers of Czech origin, the Škorpil Brothers – Hermann and Karel, who settled locally. On December 12th, 1901, with support from many intellectuals and public figures, they founded the Varna Archaeological Society. Its main goal was to study and promote the historical and cultural heritage of the Varna region and the neighbouring regions. One of the Society’s major achievements was the foundation of Varna Museum, on June 11th, 1906. Archaeological artefacts formed the core of the museum’s collection. Most of them dated from Antiquity and were found in Varna (ancient Odessos), Devnya (Marcianopolis), Balchik (Dionysopolis) and other sites in Northeast Bulgaria.

Varna Museum’s collection has grown significantly through the years and the museum as an institution experienced many transformations. Today its official name is Varna Regional Museum of History, and all archaeological matters are focused in the Department of Archaeology. The institution is also colloquially known as Varna Archaeological Museum.

The permanent archaeological exhibition of the museum today is one of the largest and richest in Bulgaria. It is housed in the beautiful late 19th century building of the former Varna Girls’ High School. The part of the exhibition dedicated to Antiquity occupies almost the entire first floor. Numerous architectural elements of marble and stone are displayed in the inner courtyard and in the park around the building completing the exhibition. Most of the artefacts in the museum are from the town or from Northeast Bulgaria; however, some remarkable pieces from other parts of the country and from the Balkans are also present.

Varna Regional Museum of History maintains several satellite archaeological sites, which have been transformed into open-air museums. Two of them are from Antiquity: the Roman Thermae of Odessos (2nd century AD), and the Small Roman Thermae of Odessos (4th century AD).

Expositions

  • Permanent archaeological exhibition

  • Roman Thermae archaeological site and open-air museum

  • Small Roman Thermae archaeological site and open-air museum

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Attic red figured crater from Odessos, 4th century BC
Attic red figured crater from Odessos, 4th century BC
Gold earrings with the goddess of victory Nike from Odessos, late 4th century BC
Gold earrings with the goddess of victory Nike from Odessos, late 4th century BC
The Great God of Odessos, terracotta figurine from Odessos, 3rd – 2nd century BC
The Great God of Odessos, terracotta figurine from Odessos, 3rd – 2nd century BC
The Great God of Odessos, terracotta figurine from Odessos, 3rd – 2nd century BC
The Great God of Odessos, terracotta figurine from Odessos, 3rd – 2nd century BC
Bronze ritual incense bowl from Dionysopolis, 1st century AD
Bronze ritual incense bowl from Dionysopolis, 1st century AD
Bust of Antinous, bronze balsamarium from Odessos, 2nd – 3rd century AD
Bust of Antinous, bronze balsamarium from Odessos, 2nd – 3rd century AD
Marble female portrait head from Odessos, 2nd – 3rd century AD
Marble female portrait head from Odessos, 2nd – 3rd century AD
Marble tombstone of Asclepiades Apellas and his spouse, Odessos, 2nd – 3rd century AD
Marble tombstone of Asclepiades Apellas and his spouse, Odessos, 2nd – 3rd century AD
Set of three reliquaries from the monastery church on Djanavara Hill near Varna, 5th century AD
Set of three reliquaries from the monastery church on Djanavara Hill near Varna, 5th century AD
Mosaic from the Episcopal basilica in Odessos, 5th century AD
Mosaic from the Episcopal basilica in Odessos, 5th century AD
Marble head of Asclepius from his shrine in the Roman Thermae of Odessos, 2nd century AD
Marble head of Asclepius from his shrine in the Roman Thermae of Odessos, 2nd century AD
Marble statue of Heracles, architectural decoration from the Roman Thermae of Odessos, 2nd century AD
Marble statue of Heracles, architectural decoration from the Roman Thermae of Odessos, 2nd century AD

Roman Thermae site and open-air museum

2nd century AD

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Small Roman Thermae and open-air museum

4th century AD

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