Retro Museum — Attraction in Varna

I was really surprised to see that, there is museum in the Mall. Love the idea.

Why not, going to do some shopping and stop by in the museum.

I'm not a big fan of cars so basically 70% of the things you can see are cars and car parts. Whoever like retro cars, definitely go there! The actual museum has two halls. One with wax figures and one with all kinds of stuff(mainly cars). The entrance is 12 Lv for one hall and 18 lv for both. I have been to Madame Tussaud museum and didn't like it, that way I went just to the main hall.

However, they did manage to bring me back in the past and my time when I was a kid.

If you can see from the photos I uploaded, very dark, not sure if they trying to save money from electricity ( as it's very expensive apparently in Bulgaria) or just the way it's. But the Darkest museum I have ever been to.

My friend back home is a post stamps collector, he has that hobby and I thought about that I can show him what the post stamps were in Bulgaria back in the days. So I went around and around probably 3 times and I couldn't see as I probably missed somewhere in the darkness. I went and ask the security guy on the door who was playing on his phone all the time and looks like he wasn't enjoying his work and time he have to be there. However he said “i have no idea”.

Then I decided to go further and ask the lady on the cashier. Surprisingly for me she said the same thing, I ask her “ how come you sale tickets for something you don't know?” she said that very often the collection is updated and if she has a day off that day she doesn't know what is been added or removed.

So here I suggest 2 things.

1. collection of post stamps, pretty please and I will come back to see if or even bring my friend

2. handover book where stuff who has day off to know what is been updated or been removed.

I'm saying that because some people coming to your place to see something special and imagine if that thing is not there, I bet you won't refund the money for entrance.

After all...

What an outstanding museum! When I first heard that there was a museum of communist-era cars in Varna, I was intrigued and wanted to go, but I honestly didn't expect anything too great. I figured I'd see a handful or so of rusting Ladas, Trabants and the like. Wow! Was I wrong. First the location. In a deliciously ironic twist, the museum is in a shopping mall. Google Maps takes you to a back alley, but wondering around I saw a sign that said it was on the 1st floor, which really meant it was on the floor above where one enters the mall. There are actually two museums: the communist car museum and a wax museum. Both seemed to be very reasonably priced. The Retro museum has dozens and dozens of immaculately maintained cars and motorcycles alongside a massive collection of other era appropriate memorabilia. Vacuum cleaners, radios, TVs, old computers, toys. The everyday artifacts from the communist era. The museum is richly decorated with posters both political and not, and a delightful soundtrack of old pop music plays in the background. But, of course, the real stars are the cars. Along with those Ladas and Trabants were Skodas, Volgas, Wartburgs, Moskvitchs, and others. All polished to perfection. A really keen touch is that mirrors are placed strategically under the vehicles so that one can see the undersides as well (which are just as well kept). This museum quite possibly ranks as the most fun museum I've yet seen. Kudos! But then there's the wax museum. It houses figures both current and past, political and popular. Marx, Lenin, Stalin, Khrushchev and other communist leaders are there. Actors, actresses, musicians. Even Mr. Bean (aka Rowan Atkinson). Some were spookily lifelike. One of Bulgarian actress Nevena Kokanova was particularly stunning. All in all, these museums were fabulous, and the creator deserves a round...

Retro Museum in Varna is a unique experience, taking you back in time to the socialist era through its extensive collection of over 50 meticulously restored cars, such as the Volga, Trabant, and the iconic Chaika GAZ-13 used by the Communist Party. It’s not just about cars; the museum also showcases household items, cosmetics, and other memorabilia from that period, including Polish cosmetics and East German appliances like fridges, radios, and mixers.

Located in Grand Mall Varna, the museum’s exhibits span across 4000 square meters and provide an immersive glimpse into the lifestyle of the time. The cars, in particular, are stunningly well-preserved, with each vehicle displayed on a mirror, giving visitors a chance to admire their cleanliness, shiny parts, and detailed restoration. The museum also holds an interesting collection of motorcycles, including the famous Simson and Balkan brands.

Visiting the museum isn’t just a visual journey – it's an atmospheric one. The setting is quite cold in the winter months, so make sure to bring your jacket along (as I learned the hard way!). Once inside, you’re transported to a time when these items and cars were not just tools but symbols of an era.

An added bonus of my visit was the Wax Museum section, which was part of the combined ticket. While the collection of wax figures is smaller compared to other museums, it features a mix of international and local celebrities, including sports figures from Romania like Gheorghe Hagi, Simona Halep, and Ilie Năstase.

I highly recommend visiting Retro Museum Varna. It’s a perfect stop for history buffs, car enthusiasts, or anyone curious about life behind the Iron Curtain. Don’t forget your jacket and enjoy the trip...