The National Archaeological Institute and Museum was established in 1948 as a result of the merger of the Archaeological Museum and the Archaeological Institute. Thus, this is not just a museum, but also a research institute that conducts archaeological excavations and studies the objects found there. The Museum of Archeology is located in the building of the former Buyuk Mosque (XV century) and stores about 55,000 items, as well as a huge collection of coins. On the ground floor of the museum exhibits exhibits of the Greek, Thracian, Roman and Byzantine periods. A huge impression on visitors to the museum is made by the “Valchitrans Treasure” - a collection of 13 golden vessels of an unusual shape from the Thracian period and other valuables of the same period. The second floor of the museum is dedicated to the Neolithic period. The Museum of Archeology is also proud of its rich collection of frescoes and icons from different parts of Bulgaria.