Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv
Plovdiv
The Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum, housed in the 1847 Kuyumdzhioglu House, is one of Bulgaria's foremost ethnographic museums. It presents the traditional culture of the people from the Plovdiv region and surrounding areas such as Thrace, the Rhodopes, and Sredna Gora during the Bulgarian National Revival period. The museum's extensive collection includes over 40,000 artifacts covering agriculture, crafts, textiles, furniture, musical instruments, religious items, and folk art. The Kuyumdzhioglu House itself is a masterpiece of mid-19th century Baroque architecture with 12 rooms, wood-carved ceilings, and floral motifs, reflecting the wealth of a prominent merchant. The museum offers six distinct exhibitions, each in a separate room, highlighting traditional occupations like farming, livestock breeding, and various crafts such as goldsmithing, pottery, and tailoring. Visitors can also explore a scholarly archive, photo collection, and library, making it a cultural and educational center. The museum is situated near Plovdiv's Old Town eastern gate, Hisar Kapia, enriching the historic experience for visitors.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check opening hours on the official website before visiting. The best time to explore the museum is during spring and autumn when Plovdiv's Old Town is pleasant for walking. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and group or educational discounts may be available. Exploring the museum alongside a guided tour of Plovdiv's Old Town enhances the cultural experience. Photography policies should be confirmed at the entrance.
Interesting facts
- •The Kuyumdzhioglu House has 12 rooms and over 130 windows, showcasing the wealth of its original owner.
- •The museum's collection exceeds 40,000 artifacts, making it the second largest ethnographic museum in Bulgaria.
- •The house's facade is symmetrical and employs the natural slope of the terrain, being two stories on one side and four on the other.
- •The wooden ceilings in each room are intricately carved with floral motifs, highlighting traditional Bulgarian craftsmanship.
- •The museum's exhibitions cover a wide range of traditional crafts including goldsmithing, pottery, tailoring, and musical instrument making.
History
The idea for an ethnographic museum in Plovdiv dates back to 1891, but the Regional Museum was officially established in 1917 through the efforts of Stoyu Shishkov.
Initially housing 500 items, the collection was transferred to the Plovdiv National Library and Museum in 1931-32.
In 1938, under Mayor Bozhidar Zdravkov, the museum was revived and moved into the Kuyumdzhioglu House, reopening in 1943.
It was renamed the People's Ethnographic Museum in 1949, and a permanent exhibition was established in 1952, later revised in 1962.
The Kuyumdzhioglu House itself was built in 1847 by merchant Argir Kuyumdzhioglu and has served various functions before becoming the museum's home.
The building is a national cultural monument and a prime example of Plovdiv's Renaissance architecture.
Place Guide
Kuyumdzhioglu House1847
The historic 1847 Baroque merchant house that hosts the museum. It features 12 rooms with wood-carved ceilings, floral decorations, and an inner garden, exemplifying Plovdiv Renaissance architecture.
Agriculture Exhibition Room
Displays traditional agricultural tools and implements used by the local population, illustrating farming practices of the Plovdiv region during the Revival period.
Crafts Exhibition Room
Showcases traditional crafts such as tailoring (abadjijstvo), goldsmithing, pottery, coppersmithing, and ironworking, with authentic tools and products.
Textiles and Clothing Room
Features traditional folk costumes, fabrics, and weaving samples representing the cultural identity of Thrace, the Rhodopes, and Sredna Gora.
Musical Instruments and Religious Items Room
Exhibits traditional musical instruments alongside religious artifacts and ceremonial objects reflecting local customs and beliefs.
Contact
Phone: 032 625 654
