Regional History Museum “Ph. D. Simeon Tabakov” – Sliven was established in 1905 as part of the Chitalishte “Zora” (Bulgarian Community Cultural Centre “Zora”). Until 1951 it functioned as a museum within the Chitalishte, and in 1952 it changed its status, becoming a state museum, and started its institutional development.
The building that has housed the Regional Museum since 1956 is an architectural monument of local significance. It was donated to the museum by Nevena Zhelyazkova, granddaughter of Dobri Zhelyazkov – founder of the first Bulgarian textile factory. Initially, it hosted the exhibition of the Department of Modern History, and later that of the Department of Archaeology.
The museum has a general historical profile and includes the following departments: Archaeology, Ethnography, History of Bulgaria (XV - XIX century), Modern and Contemporary History, Public Relations, Collections. It also has a Restoration and Conservation Studio and a library.
In addition to its work on researching, preserving, and promoting the cultural and historical heritage of Sliven and the region, the museum conducts a variety of educational programs and creative workshops.
The Regional History Museum – Sliven manages several remarkable cultural sites including the Late Antique and Medieval Fortress “Tuida”, “Hadzhi Dimitar” House Museum, House Museum of Popular Customs in Sliven, “Dobri Chintulov” House Museum and the First State Textile Factory in the Balkans.
