Background

National Museum of Military History: A Chronicle of Bulgarian Valor

Explore Bulgaria's military history at Sofia's National Museum: weapons, vehicles, and stories of valor from ancient times to modern warfare.

4.7

The National Museum of Military History in Sofia showcases Bulgaria's military past through extensive indoor and outdoor exhibits. From ancient weaponry to Cold War hardware, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the nation's military evolution and its role in European conflicts.

A brief summary to National Museum of Military History

Local tips

  • Visit the outdoor exhibit to see an impressive collection of Soviet-era military hardware, including tanks and missile launchers.
  • Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions and special events.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore both the indoor and outdoor exhibits.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the city center, take Tram 20 from near the Central Bath (Mineral Springs) or Zaimov Park. Get off near the Military Academy. Alternatively, use the metro to station 'Oborishte' on Line 4. From there, it's a 10-minute walk southeast on Cherkovna Street to number 92. A single public transport ticket costs 1.60 BGN.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Sofia. A taxi from the city center to the museum will cost approximately 10-15 BGN, depending on traffic. Ensure the meter is running. Taxi apps like Yellow and TaxiMe are also available. Base fares are around 2.47 BGN during the day and 2.78 BGN at night, with a per kilometer charge of 1.22 BGN (day) or 1.41 BGN (night).

  • Walking

    From Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, walk 3.5 km southeast via Shipka Street, then follow Han Omurtag Street until you reach Cherkovna Street. The museum is at the crossroads. This walk takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Unlock the Best of National Museum of Military History

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about National Museum of Military History

The National Museum of Military History in Sofia offers a deep dive into Bulgaria's military heritage. Established in 1916 and under the Ministry of Defence, the museum has amassed nearly a million artifacts related to Bulgarian and European military history. The museum features 5,000 m² of indoor exhibits and a 40,000 m² outdoor display area. Inside, visitors can explore the history of warfare in Bulgaria, from the Thracian era through World War I, with detailed exhibits in English. The displays include weaponry, rebel flags, uniforms, and personal belongings of soldiers, enhanced by sound effects that evoke historical battles. The outdoor area showcases over 230 examples of military hardware, including artillery, aviation equipment, and marine equipment. Highlights include Soviet-made military equipment like Scud missile launchers, tanks, and MiG fighters, as well as German battle tanks from World War II. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it an engaging experience for all ages.

Popular Experiences near National Museum of Military History

Popular Hotels near National Museum of Military History

Select Currency