The Earth and Man National Museum is one of the largest mineralogical museums on the planet. It is best known for its collection of minerals. But there are other items on display there too.
Location and How to Get to This Specific Site
The museum is in the center of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. The address is 4 Cherni vruh blvd., Sofia 1421, Bulgaria. You can get there via a car, taxi or other modes of public transport.
What to See There
Its collection of naturally occurring minerals encompasses 40% of all known types. There are also scores of man made ceramics on
display. Its exhibits are divided between temporary and permanent.
Its permanent exhibit includes the minerals of the earth, giant crystals, and minerals native to Bulgaria. There are also
expositions on gems and various mineral resources.
Besides the exhibits, the Earth and Man National Museum also has several laboratories. The museum also has several projects. These include
The museum also offers a course on geology. There are also Earth Days with special activities and monthly/yearly programs dedicated to different aspects of earth sciences.
History
The museum was established on December 30, 1985. It was opened to the public for the first time on June 19, 1987. The edifice was constructed on an old building (1896–1898). It occupies an area measuring 4,000 sq m. Following its building, it would go on to become one of the biggest museums of minerals in Europe.
Cost
The admission fee for adults is 2.00 lv. For seniors and students it is 1.00 lv. For the video hall it is 2.00 lv for adults and 1.00 lv for seniors and students. There are also tickets for the films shown in the video hall.
These are for groups for at least ten individuals. The cost is 2.50 lv per adult. For students and seniors it is 1.50 lv. Guided tours in English cost 35.00 lv. Guided tours in Russia cost 25 lv. There is a 5.00 lv fee for taking pictures.
Other Info
The museum also has numerous halls and a conference room. A video room is built in too. The establishment also hosts chamber music concerts.
The Earth and Man National Museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. While you can go there independently, guided tours are possible via tour operators.