Our museum tour of Sofia begins with two institutions that are true treasure troves of Bulgarian history and culture. The first stop is the National Archaeological Museum of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, housed in an impressive 15th century former mosque building. This place impresses not only with its architecture, but especially with its rich collections that span more than 8,000 years of history. Visitors here can admire magnificent exhibits from the prehistoric, Thracian, Roman and medieval periods. Of particular interest is the bronze head of King Seuthes III, a masterpiece of Hellenistic sculpture from the 3rd century BC. The museum offers a fascinating journey through Bulgarian history, presenting artifacts that bear witness to the region's rich past. Admission costs 12 leva per adult (as of 2023), which is a reasonable price for such an impressive exhibition.

Another must-visit is the National Museum of History. Housed in the former Boyan mansion on the outskirts of Sofia, this monumental museum offers a comprehensive look at Bulgarian history from prehistoric times to the present. Particularly impressive is the collection of gold vessels from Panagyurishte, dating to the 4th century BC, which is one of the most valuable treasures of Bulgarian archaeology. The museum also presents fascinating exhibitions on the Bronze Age, antiquity and the medieval Bulgarian Empire. Of note is the exhibition on Orthodoxy and its role in preserving national identity during Turkish rule. The ticket price is 15 leva (as of 2023), which is a good investment given the richness and diversity of the collection.

When comparing the two museums, it's worth noting that the National Archaeological Museum offers a more concentrated exhibition, focusing mainly on antiquity and the Middle Ages, while the National Museum of History presents a broader historical perspective. The Archaeological Museum has the advantage of being housed in a historic building in the center of the city, making it easily accessible to tourists. The National Museum of History, on the other hand, although located further from the center, offers a more extensive exhibition and beautiful views of Mount Vitosha. Both museums are well equipped to accommodate families with children, offering interesting exhibits and information tailored to different age groups.

Continuing our tour of Sofia's museums, we move on to two remarkable institutions that present fascinating aspects of science, nature and military history. The first is the Earth and People National Museum, which is a true paradise for lovers of geology and mineralogy. This unique museum delights visitors with an impressive collection of minerals and crystals, some of which reach the size of an adult human and weigh more than 500 kg! The exhibition is not only visually impressive, but also extremely educational, allowing visitors to learn about the richness and diversity of the mineral world. The museum enjoys a high rating of 4.6 stars, a testament to its popularity among visitors. It's worth noting that free admissions are sometimes organized, which is an added bonus for thrifty tourists. The only downside, as pointed out by some visitors, is the state of maintenance of the exhibition - some display cases can be dusty, making it a bit difficult to see the exhibits.

The second site that deserves special attention is the National Museum of Military History. This place is a real treat for anyone interested in military history. The museum, rated 4.7 stars, offers an impressive collection of military equipment, weapons and memorabilia related to Bulgarian and world military history. Of particular interest is the outdoor exhibition, where you can admire tanks, aircraft and other heavy military equipment from the 20th century. Inside the museum you will find fascinating exhibitions on various historical periods, from antiquity to modern times. The ticket price is 22 leva (as of 2023), which may seem a bit high compared to other museums, but the quality and variety of exhibits fully justify the price.

When comparing the two museums, it is worth noting their different profiles. Earth and People National Museum focuses on natural science and geology, offering a unique perspective on the world of minerals. It is an ideal destination for families with children interested in science and nature. The National Museum of Military History, on the other hand, focuses on military history, displaying a fascinating collection of military equipment and artifacts. This museum may be particularly appealing to those interested in military history and technology.

Both museums offer interactive exhibit elements, making them appealing to both adults and children. The Earth and People National Museum allows close contact with impressive mineral specimens, which can be a fascinating experience for younger visitors. The National Museum of Military History, on the other hand, offers the opportunity to see real military equipment up close, which is sure to impress military enthusiasts of all ages.

It is worth noting that both museums are well suited for family visits. They offer spacious displays and clear descriptions of the exhibits. The National Museum of Military History has the advantage that some of the exhibits are outdoors, which can be attractive especially on warmer days. The Earth and People National Museum, on the other hand, located inside the building, provides a comfortable visit regardless of weather conditions.

To conclude our museum tour of Sofia, we will visit two unique places that present a completely different face of the Bulgarian capital. The first is the National Art Gallery, which is a veritable treasure trove of Bulgarian and international art. Housed in the impressive building of the former royal palace, the gallery offers a rich overview of art from the Middle Ages to modern times. The collection includes works by the most prominent Bulgarian artists, as well as works by artists from other countries, including works by such well-known artists as Pablo Picasso. The gallery enjoys a high rating of 4.7 stars, a testament to its popularity among visitors. The ticket price is 10 leva on weekdays and just 2 leva on Thursdays (as of 2023), making it an extremely attractive option for art lovers. It is worth noting the temporary exhibitions that are held, which often present works by world-renowned artists.

Last, but not least, a fascinating stop on our tour is the Sofia Museum of Illusions. This is a relatively new place on the map of Sofia that offers a completely different experience from traditional museums. Rated 4.5 stars, the museum is a paradise for lovers of optical tricks and interactive installations. Here visitors can experience fascinating optical illusions, take fun photos in rooms with curved perspectives and experiment with various perceptual phenomena. Although the museum is relatively small, it offers an unforgettable and often surprising experience. It is an ideal place for families with children who are looking for entertainment combined with education.

Comparing the two facilities, we see two very different approaches to presenting culture and art. The National Art Gallery represents a classical approach to museology, offering a traditional display of artworks in an impressive historical setting. It is an ideal place for those seeking a deeper aesthetic experience and those interested in art history. The Sofia Museum of Illusions, on the other hand, takes a more modern, interactive approach to museology, focusing on fun and direct visitor experience. This is a great option for families with children or for those looking for unusual attractions.

In terms of accessibility, the National Art Gallery has the advantage of being located in the center of Sofia, making it easy to visit as part of a broader city tour. The Museum of Illusions, while also located in the center, is somewhat smaller and may require a shorter visit. It is worth noting, however, that both places are easily accessible and well suited to receive tourists.

All in all, Sofia offers an extremely rich and varied selection of museums that will satisfy the tastes of even the most discerning culture and history lovers. From ancient treasures to modern optical illusions, there is something for everyone. It's worth planning a few days to visit these fascinating sites to fully appreciate the cultural richness of the Bulgarian capital. Whether you are an avid historian, art lover or simply a curious tourist, Sofia's museums will certainly not disappoint you and will leave an unforgettable impression.