The collection contains over 30,000 individual specimens, making it one of the largest provincial natural history museums in the country.
It preserves examples of rare predatory birds that are now considered strictly protected species in Europe.
The museum showcases geological samples unique to the Kotel fold, a complex tectonic structure in the Balkan Mountains.
The exhibits include a comprehensive display of insects, specifically focusing on the butterfly population native to the Balkan range.
Many of the taxidermy specimens were prepared using traditional methods that remain part of the museum's historical preservation strategy.
The Natural History Museum in Kotel houses one of the most extensive collections of taxidermy and biological specimens in Bulgaria. The permanent collection focuses on the diverse flora and fauna found within the Balkan Mountains. It features over 30,000 biological exhibits, including rare birds, mammals, and geological formations. The display is categorized into specific habitats to illustrate the ecological profile of the Eastern Balkan region. The museum is a branch of the Kotel Museum of History and serves as a significant research center for regional biodiversity. Its dioramas recreate local ecosystems ranging from alpine meadows to dense forests. The collection includes endangered species that have been extinct or rare in the wild for decades. The museum building itself is an integral part of the Kotel cultural heritage complex.
The main hall's large-scale diorama, which provides a panoramic view of the regional mountain landscape.
Combine your visit with the nearby Museum of the Renaissance for a complete understanding of Kotel's cultural history.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the museum building has multiple levels to navigate.
Bring binoculars if you plan to go birdwatching in the surrounding Balkan Mountains after your visit.
Do not touch the open displays, as many of the taxidermy specimens are fragile and historical.
Closed on Mondays during the off-season months.
