The idea for the creation of an archaeological institute with a museum was conceived among exiled Bulgarian intellectuals in the 1840s, and was among the top priorities for the Bulgarian Literary Society immediately after its establishment in 1869. During the interim Russian administration immediately after the Liberation of Bulgaria, the first steps towards the establishment of a national archaeological museum were taken.
The idea for an archaeological institute with a museum emerged among exiled Bulgarian intellectuals in the 1840s and was a key goal of the Bulgarian Literary Society after its formation in 1869. During the Russian period following Bulgaria's liberation, groundwork began for establishing a national archaeological museum.