The Museum of Mineralogy, Petrography, and Mineral Resources is one of the most significant academic and scientific collections in Bulgaria. Its journey began in 1961 as a teaching collection of minerals, rocks, and ores, used for training students since the founding of the University of Mining and Geology (MGU) in 1953. In 2008, the collection came under the management of the Faculty of Geology and Geo-exploration as an Academic Museum Collection, later expanding into a full-scale museum. Today, its activities combine essential educational, training, and scientific research goals. Located in Sofia, the museum is housed in a purpose-built exhibition hall spanning an area of 280 sq.m. Richness of the Fund and International Collections The museum displays neatly systematized specimens from all Bulgarian deposits, along with samples from over 50 countries worldwide. The collections from Russia, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Brazil, China, and Australia are remarkably extensive. The total archive preserves 13 304 specimens, organized as follows: - Main Fund: 12 321 unique exhibits (including 9280 specimens from iconic Bulgarian deposits). - Exchange Fund: 983 specimens dedicated to scientific collaboration and museum exchange. All samples are structured according to modern educational classifications, making the museum an invaluable asset for student training and extensive scientific research. The diverse collections are tied to the names of more than 82 professors, associate professors, and lecturers (14 of whom are from abroad), as well as over 30 geologists, university alumni, and students. The archive is expanded annually through donations from faculty members, students, international guests, and friends of the faculty. Main Exhibition Sections Mineralogy Section This section features over 662 mineral species and varieties. Among the unique highlights on display are: - Giant calcite druses from the Burgas region. - An extensive Agate collection from the Kardzhali and Shumen regions, alongside other Bulgarian deposits. - A rich variety of quartz types, including a stunning amethyst geode. - The longest opalized petrified wood found in the country. - A unique collection featuring quartz varieties and precious minerals from Brazil. Petrography Section This stands as the most representative petrographic collection in Bulgaria, containing all types of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, classified by modern standards. Highlights of significant interest include: - Specimens from some of the most famous and active volcanoes in the world. - Authentic limestone from Mount Everest (Himalayas, Nepal). - Gneiss sample recovered from the deepest borehole in Russia. - A special collection dedicated to natural dimensional and facing stones. Mineral Resources Section This section presents a comprehensive genetic classification of metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits (genetic series, groups, and classes), along with a specialized section on rock textures. A historical model of a samokov (a traditional iron-smelting forge) is also on display. Preserving the Mineral Heritage of Bulgaria The primary mission of the museum is to serve as a representative depository of Bulgarias raw material baseline. It preserves the entire mineral and ore heritage of Bulgaria for future generations. The exhibition includes materials from historical mines that are already depleted, sites currently being developed, and personal collections from the research work of the university faculty. Specialized regional collections include: - The Barite-Iron ore deposit of Kremikovtsi. - The Lead-Zinc ore deposits of the Rhodope Mountains. Useful Visitor Information The museum features a Souvenirs collection and curated sets of real minerals and rocks available for visitors to purchase. The scientific management of the museum is carried out by a Museum Council, composed of professors from the departments of Geology and Exploration of Mineral Resources and Mineralogy and Petrography (chaired by Prof. Dr. Y. Kortenski). The curator of the museum is Eng. Ekaterina Ivanova.
Muzey po mineralogiya, petrologiya i polezni izkopaemi is located in Sofia City, Bulgaria.
Muzey po mineralogiya, petrologiya i polezni izkopaemi is most easily reached by car. Use the coordinates above to navigate, or open the location in OpenStreetMap or your preferred maps app for turn-by-turn directions. Public transport options vary by region — for remote destinations a rental car gives the most flexibility.
Muzey po mineralogiya, petrologiya i polezni izkopaemi can be visited year-round. Verify current opening hours directly with the museum before your visit, as schedules change seasonally and on public holidays.
Opening hours and admission fees vary, and most Bulgarian museums close one day per week (commonly Monday). Verify current schedules and prices directly with the museum or the local tourist information office before visiting Muzey po mineralogiya, petrologiya i polezni izkopaemi, especially on public holidays.
