Description of the attraction
The Ethnographic Museum in Sofia does not exist in isolation, but is part of the Ethnographic Institute at the Academy of Sciences of Bulgaria. The museum is also part of the so-called People's Museum, which was founded back in 1892, and separated and became an independent institution in 1906. Since that time, it has been called the People's Ethnographic Museum. In 1954, the museum, and with it the National Art Gallery, moved to the building of the former Prince's Palace. The former Princely Palace is a cultural monument of Bulgaria.
The Ethnographic Museum has amassed an exceptionally rich collection, which is spread over several different themes. It houses about 4,000 objects of woodcarving art, reflecting the life of the Bulgarians, characteristic of the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. The collection of wood carvings of a church character is of no less interest. The museum has exhibits from the Trevno, Debyrskaya and Samokovskaya schools.
In addition, you can see a collection of musical instruments, including godulka, kaval, bagpipes and others. The exhibits include spoons, candlesticks, shepherds' sticks with a hook, and much more. One of the parts of the exposition area is reserved for the tools used by married women - various types of spinning wheels. You can also see how it was customary to equip the dwelling - furniture is presented here.
Since embroidery is considered one of the most striking features of Bulgarian folk art, a whole collection is kept in the ethnographic museum. In addition, it is here that the richest collection of traditional costumes in the whole of Bulgaria is kept.
Visitors to the museum will also be able to see other collections: dyed eggs, carpets, martenitsas, ceremonial breads, wedding amulets and banners. Museum curators willingly share interesting facts related to the beliefs and customs of the Bulgarians, each of which is reflected in everyday life and holidays.
