site.btaNational History Museum Unveils Renovated Bulgarian Antiquity Hall

The fully renovated Hall 2 of the National History Museum, displaying the present-day Bulgarian lands from the end of the 5th c. BC to the 3rd c. AD, was unveiled on Thursday evening, the Museum said.

“For me, the new vision for Hall 2 is another step forward in my effort to give the National History Museum (NHM) a modern appearance and to present its exhibition through modern means,” said NHM Director Dr. Boni Petrunova in her remarks, highlighting the significance of the project and the dedication of the team.

The renovation of Hall 2 would not have been possible without the financial support of the Ministry of Culture, provided through a session for targeted funding of projects in the field of movable cultural heritage, museums, and art galleries in 2025.

Dr. Petrunova emphasized the 3D reconstruction of the Temple of Fortuna, made possible thanks to the invaluable work of the late architect Yuliy Farkov.

Deputy Culture Minister Todor Chobanov underscored the role of the NHM as an institution that not only preserves the nation’s memory but also has educational functions. He stressed that presenting history using modern methods will help foster patriotic thinking among younger generations.

Among the official guests were Plamen Slavov, culture advisor to President Rumen Radev, former President Georgi Parvanov (2002–2012), Amelia Gesheva, advisor to Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh, Petar Kanev, MP and Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy and Innovation, project consultant Prof. Dr. Diliana Boteva, representatives of the academic community and cultural institutions, journalists, and friends of the museum.

Elaborating the names of all who contributed to the renovation of the exhibition, project leader Prof. Dr. Ivan Hristov emphasized that behind every exhibit there is a story - of discovery, restoration, and display.

Ekaterina Nikolova, representative of the national campaign for the preservation of cultural heritage “Wonders of Bulgaria,” presented the Guardian of Bulgaria’s Spiritual Wonders and Memory award to NHM Director Boni Petrunova for her overall efforts in transforming the National History Museum into a recognized brand for cultural and historical heritage.

At the end of the ceremony, NHM Director Boni Petrunova and Deputy Culture Minister Todor Chobanov ceremoniously opened the doors to the hall. The new lighting, modern display cases, information panels, and clear conceptual layout quickly drew the attention of both specialists and the general public.

Among the most prominent exhibits were Thracian bronze helmets, the only Thracian leather armor found in Bulgaria, gold jewelry, Roman coin finds, and reconstructions illustrating daily life across the two eras.

The new exhibition is now open to visitors and promises to become one of the highlights of the National History Museum’s permanent collection, the Museum said.