According to a law of 1889, the Bulgarian State owns all antiquities buried in the soil, including coins, monuments, statues, sarcophagi, tools, weapons, and manuscripts. After Bulgaria declared independence, archaeological excavations were carried out in many regions. The artifacts found were collected in Sofia for preservation.
The National Museum of Sofia has three main sections:
Archaeological Section – contains objects from ancient sites.
Ethnographical Section – shows traditional Bulgarian life and culture.
Gallery of Fine Arts – displays paintings, sculptures, and other artistic works.
The museum is managed by a director under the Ministry of Public Instruction, with an annual budget of about 80,000 francs.
Central Meteorological Station
The Central Meteorological Station in Sofia studies the country’s climate and weather. It oversees 125 smaller stations across Bulgaria. The director is appointed by the Ministry and earns 5,600 francs per year.
Operating all the meteorological stations costs about 40,000 francs annually. Additional funds are provided for agricultural statistics, such as 10,000 francs in 1901. These stations help collect important scientific data for agriculture and planning Balkan Tours.
National Theatre
The State theatre company “Tears and Laughter” was reorganized into the National Theatre of Sofia, which receives an annual subsidy of 100,000 francs. The new theatre building, designed by Austrian architect Kelmer, opened in January 1907.
It is managed by a director and an administrator, both appointed by the Ministry. The government also supports several provincial theatres and drama companies, with total subsidies of 15,000 francs in 1904. These theatres contribute to culture, education, and national identity.
Bulgaria’s investment in the National Museum, the Central Meteorological Station, and the National Theatre shows the state’s commitment to education, culture, and science. These institutions preserve history, support scientific research, and promote the arts, benefiting both students and the general public.