The National Institute of Archaeology at the Bulgarian Academy of Science covers the complete study of the material and spiritual culture in the Bulgarian territories from the remote past to the 18^th century. It is the biggest archaeological research institution in Southeast Europe. Among all other projects and activities, the experts here are responsible for the management of the archaeological field work in the country – surveys, excavations, etc.

The museum at the institute has rich permanent and arranges many temporary exhibitions. There are four permanent exhibitions - "Prehistory Hall”, "Vault", "Central Hall" and "Middle Ages". The first chronologically covers the Paleolithic, the Neolithic, the Copper Age, the Early and Middle Bronze Age, i.e. the earliest inhabitants of the Bulgarian lands. The "Vault"  exclusively exhibits treasures, including the world-famous treasure of Valchitran (Pleven Region) – the golden vessels and discs, the silver appliqués of a horse harness from Lukovit (Lovetch region) and the golden ornaments, silver vessels and coins from Nikolaevo (Pleven region). Grave goods and other valuable objects dating from the Late Bronze and Early Iron Age to the late Antiquity are on display in the “Vault” as well. In the "Central Hall" are exhibited Thracian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian and Ottoman monuments. The "Middle Ages" Hall is impressive with its imposing architecture and the diversity of valuable objects - ceramics, jewelry, weapons and many more.