Museum of the History of Medicine, Varna

The Museum of the History of Medicine is nestled within a building that once served as the inaugural charity hospital in Bulgaria. Established in 1869 through the generous Parskeva Nicholas bequest, the museum offers a comprehensive exploration of medical practices, art, and science across millennia.

Spanning three exhibition halls and two foyers, the museum's curated displays provide insight into the progression of medicine from the 4th millennium BC to contemporary times. The first exhibition room encapsulates the period up to 1396, marking the end of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, showcasing a myriad of artifacts, tools, photographs, and diagrams that illuminate the early development of medical practices during this era.

Moving into the second exhibition room, visitors are immersed in the era spanning from 1396 to the Bulgarian National Revival, characterized by the influence of church-monastery medicine. Here, icons of medieval healers and a diverse array of medical instruments offer glimpses into the prevailing medical practices of the time.

The journey through medical history continues in the third exhibition hall, which delves into the period from the Russian-Turkish War (1877-1878) to the 1940s, tracing the rapid advancements in medical science and practice following Bulgaria's Liberation. From ancient medical instruments to state-of-the-art equipment such as X-ray machines and ultrasound scanners, the museum's collection provides a tangible understanding of the evolution of surgeries, pharmacies, and medical services throughout the centuries.

With over 4,000 medical books, extensive paleoanthropological collections, and specialized exhibits on pharmacy, radiology, dentistry, and surgery, the museum serves as a vital repository of medical knowledge and history. Additionally, its library, focused on medical subjects, further enriches scholarly endeavors in the field.