The material Object in Focus in The World of the Iron is published for the first time on REGIONAL ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM - PLOVDIV.

Both sites will be open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

We look forward to welcoming you!

The material The Regional Ethnographic Museum Introduces Its Winter Opening Hours is published for the first time on REGIONAL ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM - PLOVDIV.

Six thematic sessions featured papers exploring the interactions between rural and urban communities, material and economic culture, festivals and rituals, social communities and identities, as well as art, music and cultural memory. The diversity of topics highlighted the broad scope of ethnographic research and created opportunities for professional dialogue, the exchange of knowledge and the discussion of new research perspectives.

The importance of the conference theme for the study and preservation of Bulgarian cultural heritage was also emphasised in a congratulatory address from Evтим Милошев, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria. The address expressed confidence that scientific dialogue and the exchange of research ideas would contribute to a deeper understanding of cultural processes in Bulgaria and create new opportunities for cooperation between museum professionals and the academic community.

Amelia Gesheva, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Museums Association, highlighted the potential for translating research ideas into concrete cultural initiatives. She cited Plovdiv as a positive example of cooperation between local authorities and cultural institutions in their efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage.

“The conference theme and programme provide an excellent starting point for putting many new and successful projects into practice—projects that the cultural sector in Bulgaria needs,” Amelia Gesheva stated, expressing confidence in the participating experts’ ability to help bring such initiatives to fruition.

Support from the local authorities for the development of museum activities was also highlighted by Plovdiv Deputy Mayor Plamen Panov during the official opening of the conference. He emphasised the active role of the Regional Ethnographic Museum in the city’s cultural life and noted that investments in the development of the museum’s facilities had amounted to nearly half a million euros.

Summing up the scientific forum, the museum’s director, Assoc. Prof. Dr Angel Yankov, described the conference as a great success and emphasised the importance of the research presented for the future development of Bulgarian ethnography.

“The papers presented at the conference will be published in the ninth volume of the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv’s annual journal. The topics and discussions opened up numerous opportunities for new discoveries, in-depth studies and future research in Bulgarian ethnography,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr Angel Yankov.

By hosting the conference, the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv reaffirmed its role as a platform for scientific dialogue and cooperation between museum professionals, researchers and the academic community. The forum demonstrated the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to studying the cultural processes that shape life in Bulgarian villages and cities, while highlighting the need for joint efforts to preserve, study and promote the country’s cultural heritage.

The Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv extends its gratitude to all participants, partners and institutions for their contribution to the successful organisation of the scientific forum. The museum is confident that the ideas and research findings shared during the conference will inspire further scientific and cultural initiatives.

The material More Than 30 Scholars Discussed the Transformations of Bulgarian Villages and Cities is published for the first time on REGIONAL ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM - PLOVDIV.

More than 30 scholars specializing in history, ethnography, anthropology and museology will take part in the academic conference “The Bulgarian Village and Town: Transformations Through Time.” The event will be held on October 22–23, 2026, at the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv.

“The programme focuses on the development and transformation of villages and towns across different historical periods, viewed from an ethnographic perspective. We are delighted by the tremendous interest in the conference,” commented the museum’s director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Angel Yankov.

The official opening will take place on October 22 at 11:30 a.m., in the presence of Plovdiv Deputy Mayor for Culture Plamen Panov and Amelia Gesheva, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Museums Association.

Hosting ethnographic conferences is a long-standing tradition at the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv.

“Once again, we and our colleagues from across the country will demonstrate that museums are places where high-quality academic research is conducted, rather than simply spaces for visitors and leisure activities,” emphasized Assoc. Prof. Dr. Angel Yankov.

Over the two days of the conference, participants will explore various aspects of the transformations of village and urban life over time — from traditional evening gatherings to concert stages — as well as changes in people’s lifestyles, ways of thinking and forms of communication. Topics will include festivals and rituals, material culture, and places of social interaction, such as markets and railway stations, alongside the economy, art, traditional food and more.

Special attention will be devoted to the development of traditional crafts and their role in people’s everyday lives. The programme will also feature presentations on rural depopulation, refugees, and little-known historical figures and events.

Among the more unconventional ethnological perspectives is a presentation by Plamena Kirova, curator at the Regional Historical Museum – Burgas, exploring the connection between Burgas and Eurovision 2027. The topic is particularly timely as Bulgaria prepares to host the international music event next year.

The material The Bulgarian Village and Town: Transformations Through Time is published for the first time on REGIONAL ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM - PLOVDIV.

The project, entitled “Building the Capacity of Zaedno Association and Improving the Quality of Educational Offers for Adults and the General Public”, provided participants with an opportunity to learn from museum professionals and educators and explore different approaches to presenting traditional Bulgarian culture, crafts and cultural heritage to contemporary audiences.

During the mobility, participants observed the daily work of museum staff and educators, focusing on the preparation and delivery of educational activities for adults and older people, as well as approaches to engaging local communities. Particular attention was paid to creative and artistic methods, hands-on learning and the integration of traditional crafts into contemporary educational programmes.

Cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue were also important themes throughout the programme. Participants explored how cultural heritage can serve not only as a means of preserving and sharing knowledge about the past, but also as a way to bring people together, encourage mutual understanding and promote active participation in shared activities.

The connection between traditional practices and sustainability was another important source of inspiration. Working with natural materials and incorporating traditional crafts into educational activities offered new ideas for developing programmes that combine culture, creativity and environmental responsibility.

The knowledge and experience gained during the mobility will support the further development of Zaedno Association’s educational and cultural activities in the Czech Republic. The newly acquired ideas and practical insights are expected to enrich its programmes and expand opportunities for non-formal adult education and learning activities for the general public.

About Zaedno Association

Zaedno Association is a non-profit organisation based in Prague, Czech Republic. It works with children, young people, schools, institutions and the general public, promoting intercultural understanding, positive attitudes towards cultural diversity and the inclusion of people from different cultural backgrounds.

The organisation places particular emphasis on presenting and preserving minority cultures and languages, especially Bulgarian culture, as its core includes members of the Bulgarian minority in Czechia. Zaedno develops a variety of educational and cultural programmes and workshops, using non-formal education methods, arts, traditions and cultural heritage to encourage learning and participation.

The association is also an established publisher of the multilingual magazine Kamarádi and other educational materials, available online at www.kamaradi.eu.

The material Zaedno Association from Prague Gains New Experience at the Regional Ethnographic Museum in Plovdiv through an Erasmus+ Project is published for the first time on REGIONAL ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM - PLOVDIV.

The exhibition is devoted entirely to Bakam carpets, also known as Garibalda. It is the result of more than ten years of research by Jacob van Beilen, a Dutch public figure, philanthropist and collector, rightfully known as “the Dutchman with a Bulgarian heart.” Having dedicated his life to preserving Bulgaria’s traditional carpet-making heritage, Jacob has built one of the richest collections in the world, comprising more than 80 Bakam masterpieces and over 1,000 authentic carpets from different Bulgarian weaving traditions.

Do not miss this unique event, where you will encounter three centuries of history — textiles that have survived the trials of time and preserved the memory of generations of Bulgarians. These carpets are paintings without equal. Their “artists” were anonymous women weavers who worked without a predetermined pattern, weaving directly from the heart and from their imagination. This makes every piece utterly unique.

And, last but not least, the exhibition is part of an important cause — another step towards Jacob van Beilen’s great dream: the establishment of a National Carpet Museum in Bulgaria.

Welcome to the exhibition “Bakam – Garibalda (The Oldest Bulgarian Carpets)”, and to an infinite world woven from colours, symbols and stories of human lives!

The exhibition opens on 7 October 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv. Jacob van Beilen will share with you his collecting journey, scholarly research and aesthetic pursuits.

The material Bulgaria’s Oldest Carpets Come to Life at the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv is published for the first time on REGIONAL ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM - PLOVDIV.

“Revive the Past” is the common theme of the two workshops taking place on September 26 and 27 on the Three Hills. The idea is to bring cultural heritage to life—not simply to preserve it behind glass, but to experience it hands-on.

At the “World of Irons” exhibition at 20 Saborna Street, conservator Marin Bekirski will demonstrate how old and valuable objects are restored. Participants will learn about different materials and techniques and will then have the opportunity to try restoring a museum object themselves.

The workshop will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Participation is free with admission to the exhibition. Advance registration is required for the practical session at +359 889 003 174.

At the Kuyumdzhioglu House at 2 Dr Stoyan Chomakov Street, the focus will shift to traditional construction methods. Demonstrations will showcase techniques using stone, clay and adobe—materials once used to build traditional Bulgarian homes.

The demonstrations are part of the “From Stone and Wood” project and will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. An exhibition featuring photo panels of abandoned Bulgarian homes will also be presented in the museum’s main hall.

“The two initiatives focus on experiencing cultural heritage through direct participation. We want the knowledge and skills passed down through generations to be accessible both to Bulgarian audiences and to visitors to the city,” said Assoc. Prof. Angel Yankov, Director of the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv.

Admission to both initiatives is free with a ticket to the respective exhibition.

The material Bringing the Past to Life at the “Festival of the Hills” is published for the first time on REGIONAL ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM - PLOVDIV.

We look forward to welcoming you at the Kuyumdzhioglu House and at our branch at 20 Saborna Street, where we can celebrate this special day together.

The material Opening Hours of the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv on September 22 is published for the first time on REGIONAL ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM - PLOVDIV.

Until the end of October, visitors can see the iron-shaped candy box at the museum’s branch at 20 Saborna Street. The initiative is part of the museum’s “Object in Focus” series, which highlights individual objects from its collections and explores their history, purpose, and distinctive features.

The ceramic iron-shaped candy box is an intriguing example of Italian decorative art from the 1960s and 1970s. It was produced in Bassano del Grappa, a city renowned for its centuries-old ceramic traditions, dating back more than 300 years.

The object is also connected with the history of the Italian confectionery company Pallarini. The joint idea of the ceramic manufacturers and the confectionery company was to create a luxurious festive box for chocolates. Initially, the candy box was intended as a gift for various celebrations, but it later became a household object, used as a storage container.

The production of the ceramic iron involved several stages. The clay was cast in plaster moulds, in which the body and lid were formed. The pieces were then fired at a temperature of approximately 1,000°C, after which they were covered with an opaque white glaze. The artisans painted floral motifs onto the glazed surface, and during the second firing, the colours were fixed and acquired their finished appearance.

The ceramic iron-shaped candy box combines traditional Italian ceramics with decorative art, transforming an apparently ordinary household object into an unusual and memorable form of candy box.

The material An Italian Candy Box in the Shape of an Iron Among the Exhibits at Plovdiv’s Iron Museum is published for the first time on REGIONAL ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM - PLOVDIV.

The exhibition is part of the project “Of Stone and Wood – The Architectural Heritage of Abandoned Settlements”, developed by the Institute for Cultural Heritage Foundation. It transforms the museum space into a visual narrative about one of Bulgaria’s most fragile and rapidly disappearing treasures: the architectural heritage of depopulated mountain villages.

The project is the result of field research conducted in more than 40 settlements in the areas of Gabrovo, Dryanovo, Tryavna, and Veliko Tarnovo, in the Central Fore-Balkan region. Throughout the fieldwork, the team documented abandoned houses, barns, courtyards, verandas, stone walls, wooden structures, and architectural details that are gradually disappearing from the cultural landscape.

The photographs do not simply depict ruins. They tell the stories of the people who built and inhabited these places, of traditional construction techniques, of the relationship between people and nature, and of knowledge passed down from one generation to the next.

Behind every stone wall, wooden beam, or overgrown courtyard lies a human story. Today, these places are almost deserted, yet their architecture continues to preserve memories of work, craftsmanship, family, and belonging.

This is why the exhibition’s title — “A Glorious Past, a Forgotten Present, a Possible Future” — raises a question that goes beyond photography and documentary heritage: What do we do with the heritage we have inherited when the people who created it are no longer there?

The exhibition offers a different perspective on depopulation — not merely as a loss, but also as an opportunity to rethink our relationship with small settlements, traditional architecture, and cultural memory. Within the ruins, we may discover not only a sign of an ending, but also the potential for new life, education, cultural tourism, and future revival.

The project brings together academic research and artistic practice. The team includes archaeologist Stilian Stanimirov, historian Yulia Dabkova, ethnographer Damyan Hristov, cultural heritage specialist Nikolay Karagyozov, field researcher Nadya Kukoryakova, and photographer Kiril Kolev.

The photography exhibition is part of a broader cultural project that includes a documentary film, a digital photo archive, and a digital exhibition featuring audio descriptions in Bulgarian, English, and French. The project has already been presented in various cities across Bulgaria, as well as to an international audience in France.

The exhibition in Plovdiv will be open to visitors until 4 October 2026.

The material Abandoned Villages of Bulgaria Come to Life in a New Exhibition is published for the first time on REGIONAL ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM - PLOVDIV.