Sliven Regional Historical Museum
Sliven
The Sliven Regional Historical Museum, named after Dr. Simeon Tabakov, is located in the heart of Sliven on Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard. Founded in 1913 as a community museum linked to the local cultural center 'Zora', it is one of the oldest institutions in the city. The museum is housed in a beautiful building constructed in 1895 by Ivan Zhelyazkov, son of the notable industrialist Dobri Zhelyazkov. Its permanent exhibition "Memory from Centuries" spans two floors and features original artifacts of global significance. On the first floor, visitors can see Neolithic and Eneolithic vessels, cult figurines, stone tools, and bronze weapons, as well as a rich collection of Thracian relics uncovered from over 20 burial mounds in the Sliven region, showcasing the high craftsmanship of Thracian masters. The second floor displays one of the richest Thracian burial findings ever discovered, including golden phials, a golden ring, the second found golden mask in Thrace, a silver helmet, and silver rhytons with gilding. It also houses Roman period artifacts and the "Tuidа" hall dedicated to the local fortress. The third floor is devoted to the exhibition "The Artifact – from Discovery to Exhibition," illustrating archaeological and restoration processes. The museum also encompasses several affiliated sites, such as the Hadzhi Dimitar House Museum, Dobri Chintulov House Museum, Sliven Ethnographic House Museum, and the first state textile factory in the Balkans. The museum actively collaborates with local schools, offering educational programs that connect visitors with the history and culture of Sliven and its surroundings.
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Tip: The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays but opens for groups by prior arrangement on these days. Visitors are encouraged to check the official website for updated opening hours and to consider group discounts available for educational visits. Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather for combining the museum visit with exploring Sliven city and nearby natural attractions. Booking guided tours can enrich the experience by providing detailed historical context.
Interesting facts
- •The museum building was constructed in 1895 by Ivan Zhelyazkov, son of Dobri Zhelyazkov, who founded the first textile factory in Bulgaria.
- •It houses the second discovered golden mask from the Thracian era, a rare and significant archaeological find.
- •The museum's exhibition includes artifacts from over 20 Thracian burial mounds excavated in the Sliven region.
- •The third floor exhibition showcases the entire process from archaeological discovery to artifact restoration and exhibition.
- •The museum manages several affiliated sites including the Hadzhi Dimitar and Dobri Chintulov house museums, as well as the first state textile factory in the Balkans.
History
The museum was established in 1913 as a community museum affiliated with the local cultural center 'Zora'.
It occupies a historic building built in 1895 by Ivan Zhelyazkov, son of Dobri Zhelyazkov, a pioneering industrialist in Bulgaria.
Over the years, the museum expanded its collections significantly, especially with archaeological finds from the Sliven region, including important Thracian artifacts.
It evolved into a regional institution preserving the cultural heritage of Sliven and surrounding areas, incorporating several house museums and historical sites.
The museum's name honors Dr.
Simeon Tabakov, reflecting its dedication to scholarly research and preservation.
Place Guide
Permanent Exhibition "Memory from Centuries"
This main exhibition spans two floors and features original artifacts from the Neolithic, Eneolithic, Thracian, and Roman periods, including vessels, cult figurines, weapons, and unique golden and silver Thracian treasures.
Thracian Burial TreasuresThracian period
Located on the second floor, this hall displays one of the richest Thracian burial findings ever discovered, including golden phials, a golden ring, the second found golden mask in Thrace, a silver helmet, and silver rhytons with gilding.
Roman Period Artifacts and "Tuida" HallRoman period
Also on the second floor, this section presents artifacts from the Roman era and a hall dedicated to the ancient fortress Tuida, important for understanding the region's history.
Exhibition "The Artifact – from Discovery to Exhibition"
On the third floor, this exhibition illustrates the archaeological process from excavation and discovery, through conservation and restoration, to final exhibition of artifacts.
Hadzhi Dimitar House Museum
An affiliated museum dedicated to the Bulgarian revolutionary Hadzhi Dimitar, showcasing his life and the liberation struggles in the region.
Dobri Chintulov House Museum
Museum dedicated to Dobri Chintulov, a notable Bulgarian poet and revolutionary, featuring personal artifacts and exhibits on Bulgarian cultural history.
Sliven Ethnographic House Museum
Showcases traditional culture, crafts, and lifestyle of the Sliven region, with authentic household items and folk costumes.
First State Textile Factory of the Balkans19th century
Museum site dedicated to the first state textile factory in the Balkans, reflecting Sliven's industrial heritage and pioneering role in textile manufacturing.
Contact
Phone: 044 622 494
