Historical Museum – Svilengrad: Key to the Secrets of the Past
The idea of establishing a museum in Svilengrad emerged in the 1960s.
The Historical Museum was officially founded in 2007, building on an earlier collection created in the late 1960s.
This initial collection primarily featured photographic displays, ancient and medieval coins, as well as archaeological and ethnographic artifacts
During the 1970s, the exhibits were registered under the Haskovo History Museum.
In the early 1990s, the restored house of Dr. Tsukrovsky – located in the town center and known for its distinctive early 20th-century architecture – was designated to house the museum collection.
By Decision No. 811 dated January 26, 2007, the Municipal Council of Svilengrad officially transformed the collection into the Municipal Historical Museum, a status later confirmed by the Ministry of Culture.
Mission and Activities
The Historical Museum is dedicated to preserving and safeguarding the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the region along the lower Maritsa River, the Eastern Rhodopes, and the Sakar Mountains.
The museum features three main exhibitions – History, Archaeology, and Ethnography- showcasing items of significant historical, cultural, and scientific value, including:
- Documents, photographs, and manuscripts
- Orders, medals, and labor tools
- Traditional clothing and objects from urban life
- Equipment used in the production of silk, cotton, and wool
- Cold and firearms
- Personal belongings and other valuable artifacts.
An exhibition hall in the museum courtyard hosts temporary displays, and an alley of memorial plaques and busts honors notable figures from Svilengrad and the surrounding region.
Following restoration, the historic 16th-century Old Turkish Bath (Hamam) was transformed into an Art Gallery and, since 2015, has served as the Art Department of the History Museum.
The gallery features temporary exhibitions by both emerging and established Bulgarian artists, enriching the cultural life of the town.
Gallery
Photographer: Pavel Sarandiev
Prices
Entrance Fees
Adults: 2.00 BGN / 1,02 EUR
Seniors and Students: 1.00 BGN / 0,51 EUR
Persons with Disabilities and Children under 7: Free Admission
Guided Tours
Historical Museum (including Art Department) – Guided Tour: 6.00 BGN / 3,07 EUR
Guided Tour “History and Memory”
Group of up to 20 people: 18.00 BGN / 9,20 EUR
Group of 21 to 50 people: 30.00 BGN / 15,34 EUR
(1- or 2-hour tour of memorial sites and landmarks in Svilengrad, led by a museum guide)
Guided Tour “History and Faith”
ПGroup of up to 20 people: 18.00 BGN / 9,20 EUR
Group of 21 to 50 people: 30.00 BGN / 15,34 EUR
Note: Prices are per group.
Contact
Address: Svilengrad, Blvd. “Bulgaria” 150
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday: Visits by appointment only