Durrës Archaeological Museum to reopen this fall following major renovation

The National Archaeological Museum of Durrës is set to reopen this fall after undergoing major restoration and modernization works.

Why is this important: The project, part of the EU4Culture program implemented by UNOPS in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, aims to transform the museum into a key cultural tourism destination.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the ongoing reconstruction and emphasized that over 2,400 archaeological artifacts will soon be displayed in newly designed, state-of-the-art exhibition halls. He described the museum as an attractive new space for both domestic and international visitors.

The upgraded facility will include expanded and more functional exhibition areas, redesigned museum layouts, outdoor and indoor spaces, and dedicated zones for children’s educational activities and seminars.

Context: Originally opened in 1951 and expanded in the 1980s, the museum is one of Albania’s most important archaeological institutions. Its collection spans the Illyrian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Medieval periods, making it a central hub for preserving and showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage.