Regional Archaeological Museum, Plovdiv

Established in 1882, the Regional Archaeological Museum, abbreviated as RAM, was originally founded as an archaeological and numismatic office. Over time, it evolved and expanded its scope, eventually earning the esteemed status of an Archaeological Museum during the 1920s.

The museum's inception was marked by a modest collection that included a numismatic assortment of 1,500 coins, ethnographic artifacts, historical documents, church plates, and incunabula dating from the 8th to the 17th century. Additionally, the museum was adorned with a stunning array of 300 icons and paintings by renowned Bulgarian artists such as Stanislav Dospevski, Ivan Lazarov, Tzanko Lavrenov, Nikolay Rainov, Zlatju Boiadjiev, and many others.

Today, the museum stands as a veritable treasure trove, housing one of the most extensive and diverse collections of artifacts, totaling 100,000 exhibits that chronicle the history of Plovdiv and its surrounding region. Among the most captivating pieces are ancient tools, old coins, and Roman statues, which offer glimpses into the lives of those who once called this region home. The Regional Archaeological Museum retraces the history of the region from its ancient Thracian roots to the Roman period and beyond, up to the present day.