This one is not in bright memory of the movie Glass. This one’s to something rare and beautiful. Very few private museums in Bulgaria have the charm of business the way this location has. I am fully aware that’s how marketing works. Still, the glass factory called Inhom is demonstrating taste and skill.
First of all, what is Inhom. This is the name of glass manufacturing company, located in Beloslav, Varna, Bulgaria. They have a long historical timeline, so what’s most important about them is developing the skill and ability to remain in the branch. The factory has slightly expanded which allowed the owners to create a small museum of glass where some of their most attractive creations during the years of operating could find a place. You won’t see the typical labels with century of origin or discoverer information. Nor’ the typical guide following every step you have made around the museum.
I was amazed by the fact that sometimes the owner, himself, is guiding small groups around the museum and factory area. There’s a live demonstration of how do they make classic glass birds or rabbits. This one is performed in an adapted factory building area. Visitors can also go inside of a cave made of glass (which, in my opinion, is the most impressive thing around the museum). Your guide will ask you to wear safety helmet inside, by the way. These people definitely know what are they doing. This is an impressive fact when talking about manufacturers.
Cave is small but it feels like you’re in a magical box. It’s all made by the diffent components, normally used to make your glasses, windows or decorative elements at your living room. Yes, you do feel like in a melted living room in the beginning. If you are visiting with little children, they will definitely be amazed. Touching is allowed. Touching sharp edges (there are one or two but they exist) is not No matter how much your own excitement is, remember to limit the camera flash.
Make sure you have paid the appropriate attention to the glass-river. It’s in the same hall as the cave. You will find glass pebbles, small birds, shells and other surprising stuff inside.
There are also fruits made of glass and frankly, some of them look one hell of real! As much as the glass mosaic all over the last exposition-room’s wall.
Overall, the museum is small but we’ll organized. The welcoming staff has extremely friendly people, always ready to help and in addition, the museum shop has good prices.
If it happens to be in the area, be sure to visit. Will be a bit hard to arrive without navigation or with the public transport because there are zero to none buses to that industrial area of Beloslav. Still, the ferry can transfer passengers without cars. Vehicles are charged. Just to let you know, staff there does not speak English. Hand and foot are a wonderful use when trying to explain. No fighting people, no fighting!
Due the lack of directions, you can check the factory website where you’ll see a museum sections. It also contains directions to the place. As many locations in Bulgaria, the website is entirely in Bulgarian. Cool thing is, Google Translate can offer a great translation. Be sure to check it
It’s worth the time indeed. As a person who loves details (that’s my opinion about you), I think that you will have great time. You will definitely love the live demonstration and glass cave.