Created by Kledi Eski in collaboration with Anna Paola Franceschi and an international team, the “Albania is Biodiversity” mosaic conveys a message of nature conservation into the heart of the capital through hundreds of thousands of glass fragments.

The mosaic serves as a contemporary reinterpretation of the historic “Albania” mosaic located on the façade of the National History Museum, blending artistic heritage with a direct message about preserving the country’s natural wealth.

The initiative, which began as an awareness campaign in 2023, aims to place the protection of nature and biodiversity at the forefront of public attention.

This image was first unveiled in 2023 as a temporary installation in Skanderbeg square. In 2026, it returns in a new, permanent form as a monumental glass mosaic. Hundreds of thousands of individual pieces come together to create a single image, reflecting the concept of interdependence that lies at the heart of an ecosystem: combined diverse elements form a greater whole.

Alongside the mosaic, the informative exhibition “Albania is Biodiversity” has opened, while an educational program featuring workshops, discussions and film screenings focused on Albania’s natural wealth is taking place at the Temporary Pavilion near the National History Museum.

Attending the opening ceremony were PPNEA leaders, representatives of the Heinrich Böll Foundation, German Ambassador Karl Bergner, as well as young people and nature enthusiasts.

Through art and education, the initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving Albania’s endangered species and natural assets, bringing this message to one of the capital’s most frequented public spaces.

Albania is a region of particular importance for biodiversity in Europe. Within a relatively small territory, there exists an extraordinary variety of wildlife species, habitats and landscapes, including ecosystems that have become increasingly rare elsewhere on the continent. More than 350 bird species have been recorded in Albania, and the country provides habitats for iconic and endangered species—ranging from the Balkan lynx and the Egyptian vulture to the Dalmatian pelican and the Mediterranean monk seal.

This natural wealth is an asset not only for Albania, but for Europe as a whole. However, biodiversity faces mounting pressures, including habitat loss and fragmentation, pollution, wildfires, uncontrolled development and climate change.  /k.s/a.f/p.s./

After the complete restoration and reconstruction of the site, this mosaic has become much more frequented by domestic and foreign tourists.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja stated today that, “This mosaic is restored as a space where cultural heritage dialogues with the present, using technology in the service of preserving, interpreting and experiencing history”.

“Through 3D reconstruction, interactive installations and Gigapixel technology, this site sets a new standard for the documentation and presentation of cultural heritage in Albania”, stated Gonxhja.

The Tirana Mosaic is a Category I Cultural Monument. It is part of a Roman villa dating back to the 3rd century AD. During the construction of a residential building in the “Partizani” block, in 1972, there were encountered the ruins of this ancient building. Its latest restoration was completed last year and was conceived in such a way as to include a platform that allows the exhibition of closed mosaics from the period of antiquity and late antiquity, preserved in our most important sites such as Apolonia, Butrint, Bylis, Durrës, Elbasan and many others, since they remain covered to be protected from atmospheric factors./k.s/a.f/p.s./

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja visited Tirana Mosaic on this occasion.

Tirana Mosaic is changing from a forgotten site into a modern, tech-friendly space. This new design uses digital tools to help visitors connect with history in a clear and engaging way.

This project features three main innovations: 3D reconstruction of the Roman villa on its original site, interactive digital tools for visitors, and the first use in Albania of Gigapixel technology to digitally document and restore the Tirana Mosaic and the Bylis Cathedral Exonartex mosaic.

This project renews the Tirana Mosaic as a modern cultural landmark, combining expert research, innovation, and preservation for everyone to enjoy.

/a.f/p.s./

The Tirana Mosaic hosted the 2026 Beautiful Minds of Albania event.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja stated that the exhibition celebrated inspiring Albanian figures through captivating storytelling and state-of-the-art visual projections.

Gonxhja appreciated this as a different experience for the public, transforming the cultural heritage site into a contemporary stage for artistic dialogue and memory.

This event was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, while Suida Dushi and Gruda were engaged as contemporary visual and vocal artists.

From May 18 to 24, Albania celebrates Museum Week 2026, inviting locals and visitors to explore its rich heritage through a dynamic lineup of exhibitions, guided tours, and artistic performances.

All week, museums and cultural sites nationwide are hosting engaging activities to connect you with our history and identity. Experience culture as an open, inspiring space for everyone.

/e.i/r.e/p.s./

Kostandin Budurushi, director of Tirana Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage, told ATA that since its full restoration, the mosaic has seen a sharp increase in tourist visits.

“Guests are amazed to find an 1,800-year-old ruin right in downtown Tirana. They especially appreciate the modern restoration, which perfectly balances ancient history with a contemporary museum feel,” said head of Tirana directorate.

Budurushi said that, “Following its recent restoration, the Tirana Mosaic has emerged as a premier cultural destination, seeing a 40% surge in visitor numbers. Today, it draws a steady stream of 15 to 20 European and American tourists daily, who stop to explore this key piece of Albania’s ancient history Explore Tirana.”

The mosaic is frequented by both tourists guided groups and students, as well as individual visitors who explore the cultural heritage of the city.

Director Budurushi said that, within the framework of Museum Day, special activities were held organized by Tirana Directorate in collaboration with the National Historical Museum, with the participation of 70 students from the “Faik Konica” school, 100 students from the “Vasil Shanto” school and the “Edith Durham” school.

The Tirana Mosaic can currently be visited from Monday to Thursday, from 08:00 to 16:00, and on Friday from 08:00 to 14:00.

Designated a Category I Cultural Monument, the Tirana Mosaic preserves the ruins of a 3rd-century AD Roman villa, discovered in 1972. Following a recent restoration, the site now features a specialized platform. This allows visitors to view rare, ancient mosaics from key archaeological sites across Albania (such as Butrint and Apollonia), which are safely preserved indoors to protect them from weather damage. /j.p/r.e/p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today in the social media a view of the Tirana Mosaic, where valuable mosaics and artifacts from antiquity are being conserved for public viewing, serving as a vital link to our heritage.

Tirana Mosaic dates back to the 3rd century and was discovered in the 1970s during the construction of a block of buildings.

By combining pristine conservation with youth-focused education, this space opens a new window into interpreting our shared heritage.

Beyond its own history, this building acts as a visual showcase for the extensive mosaics buried in Albania’s archaeological underground.

ArchDaily has recently nominated the Tirana Mosaic for ‘Building of the Year 2026,’ highlighting the city’s successful fusion of historic preservation and modern architecture on the international stage. /m.m/ /a.g/p.s./

The facade of the National History Museum in downtown Tirana was temporarily transformed in November last year through the installation of the “Sun of Another Day” mosaic, where history merges with contemporary art.

The artist chose to place on the main female figure of the monumental “Albania” mosaic of the museum, a new artistic element, carrying a new concept as a symbolic gesture in support of women facing breast cancer.

In “Sun of Another Day”, this well-known mosaic figure reappears with a shaved head and a mark on her right breast, as a sign of solidarity with all women facing or having survived breast cancer.

This artistic gesture displaces the mythical heroine of the original mosaic into the figure of a real contemporary woman, sensitive, wounded, but strong and moving forward. This is a work of art that speaks of life, strength and rebirth as part of collective memory and awareness.

The installation stood prominently on the museum’s facade, as a dedication to the 1 in 12 women diagnosed with breast cancer, a shared memory and a call for awareness, solidarity and hope. /m.q/r.e/p.s./

Discovered in 1967 near Lake Ohrid, the basilica complex includes a nave, chapels with apses, a baptistery, atrium, and a rare tetraconch chapel.

Its floors are adorned with well-preserved mosaics featuring geometric, vegetal, and zoomorphic motifs, with prominent religious symbolism.

The IKTK described the site as one of Albania’s most remarkable cultural monuments, inviting visitors to experience the rich archaeological and historical heritage of the region.

The Lin mosaic is considered one of the most distinctive religious mosaics found in Albania to date.

/e.r//r.e//a.f/u.sh/

Accompanied by Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation Blendi Gonxhja, Prime Minister Edi Rama inspected the investment that has transformed the Tirana Mosaic into a new center of attraction for the public and foreign visitors.

In addition to the museumization of ancient objects, the Mosaic is also been conceived as an education and innovation center for children.

This unique project will bring the closed mosaics of the antiquity and late antiquity period, preserved in our most important sites, closer to citizens and tourists.

The prime minister got informed about the significance of completing this modern structure, which required almost two years of work to be realized.

“This is the new structure of the mosaic, which has been created according to contemporary standards, and is much more advanced compared to the old structure,” said one of the project leaders.

An important aspect of this project is the development of a new itinerary for visitors. This itinerary aims to provide the opportunity to enjoy the Mosaic in a more dynamic and suitable way for all age groups, especially children. Also, to offer a more advanced and interactive experience, the Mosaic will include digital exhibitions and interactive installations, which will be dedicated to young visitors. These installations will enable children to watch documentaries translated into Albanian and English, creating a unique and attractive experience for visitors.

Minister Gonxhja, for his part, emphasized that the installation of multimedia and digital equipment will be an important step to modernize the Mosaic and transform it into an even more visited tourist destination. “In the summer, multimedia equipment will be installed, enabling not only the mosaics located here, but also those from all over Albania, to be viewed virtually,” Gonxhja said.

During inspection of the project, PM Rama emphasized the possibility of transforming this space into an attractive area for the local community, as well.

“This corner can be made more beautiful for the community. We can add more space to sit and create an even more pleasant environment for citizens and visitors,” the prime minister said.

With the completion of this project, the Tirana Mosaic will offer a rich educational and cultural experience for young people, as well as being an important tourist destination for the city and foreign visitors. /j.p/

/j.p/p.s./

Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation Blendi Gonxhja shared today in the social media images from the restoration work on this mosaic.

The mosaic of Tirana dates back from the third century and was discovered in the 1970s during the construction of a block of buildings. The Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation intervened to preserve this cultural monument.

For the time being, there are being put the last finishing touches to the object that is currently near completion. The works do not affect the condition and lifespan of the archaeological objects at any moment, Gonxhja emphasized.

The minister also wrote that very soon the Mosaic will be open to all visitors, to get to know a piece of history, a place where there used to be a Roman villa, with the culture and traditions of that time.

This building will on the other hand serve as a visual information point for all the mosaics that the rich Albanian archaeological underground carries, underlined Minister Gonxhja. /r.e/p.s./