New National Children’s Cultural Center in Tirana: the largest in the Balkans

Tirana is set to host one of the largest cultural projects in the Balkans with the construction of the new National Children’s Cultural Center near Grand Lake Park.

Why is this important: This ambitious project aims to provide modern facilities for social and cultural activities, focusing on nurturing young talents and promoting arts education for children of all ages.

Prime Minister Edi Rama, alongside Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation Blendi Gonxhe, visited the construction site to review the progress of the works. “The center will span nine floors, offering 7,000 square meters of multifunctional space for artistic and educational activities,” explained Minister Gonxhe.

A key feature of the center is its dual-purpose stage, designed for both indoor and outdoor performances, including an open-air amphitheater. Minister Gonxhe highlighted the stage’s technological complexity, with a retractable door opening toward the park and a rotating design that allows it to transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This innovative setup, the first of its kind in Albania, will offer diverse opportunities for performances and events.

Prime Minister Rama emphasized the need for skilled staff to manage the center, envisioning it as a European-level institution. “We need well-paid art teachers, directors, actors, and other professionals to ensure the success of this project,” Rama said, noting that international collaborations with institutions in Sweden and Spain will enhance the center’s offerings.

The center will also feature a large workshop for creating puppets and stage props, providing resources for students from the Academy of Arts. Melsi Qirici, the director of the National Children’s Cultural Center, explained that this space will support not only the theater community but also other creative activities in the performing arts, such as acting, ballet, and music, enabling young talent to flourish.