Historical Museum “Iskra” — Attraction in Kazanlak

This may be a regional museum, but its collection is stunning as is the purpose built building! The Neolithic exhibits are excellent, then the artifacts from the Thracian Tombs are superb! What a treat to see them, but how sad to have the place mostly to myself. Making the effort to see this museum (and the adjoining art museum) is well worth your time.

The building was purpose built specifically for these two museums and it does not disappoint. A Modernist design with notable marble everywhere, it was a collaboration among three architects that works well to highlight both collections.

Which includes a not to be missed exhibit on the luthiers of the Kazanlak region. I had no idea that high quality string instruments are crafted here, that this industry goes back to the early 20th century, that many of the craftsman have studied at prestigious workshops in Italy, and that there are now over 30 workshops here! Include this museum in...

Amazing museum with a really extensive exhibition. My favourite part are the thracian gold treasures found in the tombs located in the valley of the thracian kings. The artefacts are exquisitely made and you can only wonder how they were created so many years ago. The only odd thing is that if you would like to see all the halls of the museum you need to pay two entrance fees - one for the history exhibition and another for the gallery on the second floor. Two years ago when I visited the museum for the first time you could see everything with on...

Excellent museum. Plenty of artifacts from the surrounding area. Not a great deal in English or Bulgarian for many of the display cabinet.

We particularly found the Thracian area/display fascinating, with quite good information in English.

Also the Bulgarian section was also excellent. We learned that Kazanalak was a world centre for musical instrument manufacturing, who knew!

Definitely give it a try and the photographer museum next door outside...