Varna Archaeological Museum
Established in 1887, the Varna Archaeological Museum showcases artifacts from prehistoric to medieval times, including the world’s oldest processed gold.
Planning your visit
In 1972 a bulldozer operator outside Varna cut into a necropolis and exposed the oldest processed gold ever found — over 3,000 objects weighing some six kilograms, buried around 4,600 to 4,200 BC, more than a millennium before the gold of Egypt or Mesopotamia.
Grave 43 is the one that changed prehistory: an adult man buried with more than 1,500 gold items, including a sceptre and gold sheaths, indicating a society with hereditary rank and metallurgical mastery far earlier than any model then allowed.
The museum, founded in 1887 and housed in a former girls' school, displays the hoard alongside Thracian, Greek and Roman material from the Black Sea coast, medieval Bulgarian objects and a substantial icon collection.
Varna was the Greek colony of Odessos and the layers run continuously.
Allow ninety minutes. Bookable options include tickets with an e-guide. Current availability is listed below.
Before you book
Where is Varna Archaeological Museum?
Varna Archaeological Museum is in Varna, Bulgaria. The map on this page marks its exact location.
How long should I allow for Varna Archaeological Museum?
Allow ninety minutes. That is the time the collection itself takes at an unhurried pace, before any queue.
What are the opening hours of Varna Archaeological Museum?
Monday closed. Hours change on public holidays, so check the official site before travelling.
Do I need to book Varna Archaeological Museum in advance?
Tickets can be bought on the door at quiet times, but booking ahead fixes the date and avoids the queue at busy ones. Live availability is shown on this page.