Antiquity meets the present:
The renovated Hall No. 2 of the Bulgarian History Museum opens its doors
Yesterday evening, the Central Lobby of the Bulgarian History Museum came alive as a stage where the past meets the present, during one of the most anticipated moments in the museum’s cultural calendar for 2025 – the official opening of the completely renovated Hall No. 2 “Bulgarian Lands from the End of the 5th Century BC to the 3rd Century AD”, part of the museum’s permanent exhibition.
“The renovated Hall No. 2 is another step in the museum’s long-term strategy to modernize the permanent exhibition. It demonstrates our desire to present the Bulgarian History Museum in an attractive and accessible way, to attract new visitors and bring back old history lovers,” said the director, Docent Dr. Boni Petrunova, emphasizing the team’s efforts and the importance of the project.
The renovation of the hall was implemented with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria within the framework of the program for targeted financing of projects in the field of movable cultural heritage, museums and art galleries for 2025. In her speech, Docent Petrunova emphasized the uniqueness of the 3D reconstruction of the Temple of Fortuna – an impressive project by the late architect Yuliy Farkov, which revives the past through modern technologies.
Deputy Minister of Culture Docent Todor Chobanov emphasized that the Bulgarian History Museum is not only a keeper of national memory, but also an important educational center. “Modern methods of presenting history will help young generations build identity, understanding and respect for the past,” he noted.
Among the official guests were the President’s Cultural Advisor Docent Plamen Slavov, Academician Vasil Gyuzelev, former President Georgi Parvanov, the Advisor to the Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh – Amelia Gesheva, Member of Parliament Petar Kanev, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy and Innovation, the project consultant Prof. Doctor of the Historic Sciences Dilyana Boteva, the Director of the National Archeological Institute with Museum – Bulgarian Academy of Science Docent Dr. Hristo Popov, Members of Parliament, scientific and cultural figures, as well as journalists and friends of the museum.
The project manager, Prof. Dr. Ivan Hristov, emphasized that behind each exhibit there is a story – of discovery, restoration and exhibition, and that this process is the result of the efforts of numerous specialists from different departments of the museum: “Exhibition and International Activities”, “Funds”, “History of Bulgarian Lands in Antiquity”, the Central Laboratory for Conservation and Restoration and the Technical Department.
During the event, the representative of the “Wonders of Bulgaria” campaign, Ekaterina Nikolova, presented Docent Dr. Petrunova with the “Keeper of Memory” anniversary award for her overall contribution to transforming the Bulgarian Museum of History into a symbol of cultural and historical heritage.
During the event, the lobby came alive with the jazz melodies of the band Funktion, which contributed to the festive atmosphere.
The renovated Hall No. 2 invites visitors to immerse themselves in a world in which the scientific view and modern vision revive ancient stories. The new exhibition is open to all guests and friends of the museum and is emerging as one of the main highlights of the Bulgarian History Museum – a place where the past and the present meet.
