The National Military History Museum Launches the Events for its 110th Anniversary with the Opening of the “Memory for the Future” Donors’ Exhibition

On Thursday, 29 January, at 4:00 p.m., at 92, Cherkovna Street, Sofia, the National Museum of Military History (NMMH) launches this year’s cultural programme with the exhibition “Memory for the Future”. It presents some of the most fascinating exhibits acquired in 2025, and is a gesture in tribute to the Museum’s donors – descendants to figures with links to Bulgarian history, or individuals who have made the decision to share items from their personal collections. With this gesture of recognition to all who, over 100+ years now, help grow our Museum collections and elect to trust us with pieces of history so they could become shared heritage, the NMMH gives a start to the year in which we celebrate our 110th anniversary.
Within the exhibition space are featured some of over 1,100 donated items, 583 of which are in the Sofia branch’s collection. Together, they add texture to the past, enrich it, bring it closer to the public.
Among these exciting donations is the gift from the granddaughter of Lt. General Vicho Dikov, including a trophy Ottoman flag, preserved by the general with respect for the defeated opponent, photographs, postcards, and everyday objects. The memory of our shared past is further augmented by personal effects of one of the eminent military leaders, Lt. General Todor Kantardzhiev, as well as a uniform and decorations of Maj.Gen. Stoyan Stoyanov – one of the defenders of Sofia’s skies during the World War II bombings, the ace with the most aerial victories. In addition to the effects of well-known military men, the exhibition also features objects, memoirs, certificates, diplomas, photographs, etc., of lesser-known participants in the wars, whose personal stories rarely appear in history books, but without who the puzzle of the past would be incomplete.
Through our purposeful collecting efforts the Museum acquired the exceptionally rare commemorative medallion for the election of Alexander von Battenberg as Knyaz of Bulgaria, the first issue of the honorary Red Cross badge, a medal for the election of Ferdinand as Knyaz of Bulgaria (1887), a medal “For Bulgaria’s Entry in World War I, 1915”, a French medal “For the Signing of the Salonica Armistice, 1918”, erroneous issues of the silver and bronze medals “For Merit”, a badge “For Diligent Service in Temporary Labour Duty”, a honorary badge “Member of the Parliament”, and many others. Visitors can also admire many valuable archival materials, photographs, as well as two caricatures by the eminent artists Alexander Bozhinov and Stoyan Venev.
At the event, the donors will be presented with certificates of donation and complementary year-round free admission to the NMMH and its branches tickets, in recognition of their commitment to the preservation of Bulgaria’s historical heritage.