Ethnographic Museum, Sofia

The National Ethnographic Museum is located in the former Royal Palace, an impressive 19th-century building in the heart of Sofia, which holds significant cultural significance. Its primary mission is to collect, preserve, and showcase all aspects related to the cultural heritage of Bulgaria.

The museum boasts an extensive collection of over 50,000 items, categorized into various sections, including clothing, goldsmith crafts, copper artifacts, ritual objects, woodcarvings, agriculture, ceramics, textiles, home furnishings, carpets, foreign art, and more. It's worth noting that in the early 20th century, the museum was recognized as one of the most abundant cultural institutions in the Balkans. In the last fifteen years, the museum has organized over 50 exhibitions in Bulgaria and abroad, either independently or in collaboration with other museums.

The "Bulgarian Folk Wearing" fund is among the most significant resources within the museum. Preserving traditional folk attire, this collection serves as a vital source for understanding the ethnic unity and rich cultural heritage of Bulgaria.

The museum's collection also provides detailed insights into the traditional Bulgarian folk clothing, elucidating its structure, composition, and its roles in Bulgarian public life—whether worn for festive occasions or daily work.

Visitors to the museum can engage with knowledgeable curators who can share intriguing information about Bulgarian traditions and beliefs, which are intricately woven into the fabric of everyday life, both during weekends and workdays. One particularly captivating collection is dedicated to embroidery, which is considered a distinctive hallmark of Bulgarian folklore.