TIRANA, May 9 /ATA / – The Ethnographic Museum of Durres has reopened to the public after seven years, following extensive restoration work and an expansion of its exhibition spaces under the European Union-funded EU4Culture program.
The museum had remained closed since suffering damage in the 2019 earthquake, but the restoration has transformed both the structure itself and the scope of its collections, offering visitors a broader insight into the city’s cultural heritage.
Located in a traditional 19th-century townhouse, the museum preserves key architectural features of historic urban homes in Durres, including wooden elements, an open gallery and period interior layouts that recreate the atmosphere of old Durrës households.
The renovated museum now features seven exhibition rooms on the upper floor and a large hall on the ground floor, compared with just four accessible exhibition rooms before the earthquake. The expanded spaces allow for a more comprehensive presentation of ethnographic objects and the stories behind them.
Displayed throughout the museum are traditional household items, work tools, folk costumes and everyday objects reflecting Albania’s past way of life. Each room has been curated as a distinct narrative combining the practical and symbolic value of the exhibits.
The museum also houses a collection of 125 artworks donated in honor of painter Ibrahim Kodra, adding a contemporary artistic dimension to the institution. Dedicated spaces also highlight prominent cultural figures, including internationally renowned actor Aleksander Moisiu.
Museum staff told the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) that the reopening has already attracted strong interest, particularly from foreign tourists, many of whom spent time exploring the exhibits and learning about local traditions and historical lifestyles.
The reopening of the museum is expected to strengthen its role as a key cultural and tourist destination in Durres, while helping preserve and showcase Albania’s ethnographic heritage for future generations.
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