The Archaeological Museum of Durres will be soon offered to local and foreign visitors as a completely restored treasure. Prime Minister Rama visited the Museum and followed closely the works that are being carried out for its musealization.

The Archaeological Museum of Durres has been closed for four years although a fund of 1 million and 200 thousand dollars was allocated in 2010 for its reconstruction, but nothing was ever done.

At the end of last year, by initiative of the Minister of Culture and in collaboration with the Institution of the Monuments of Culture, regional departments and the Municipality of Durres, it was possible to end works for its reconstruction and begin works for its musealization, as well as for the restoration of archaeological objects and their exhibition.

Minister of Culture Mirela Kumbaro said that with a very modest fund restoration has started for all objects that were not affected since the 1950s, when they were excavated, which will be presented to the public in the most optimal conditions of exposure.

“More than 2400 items will be displayed in modern lighting, with brand new exposures, worked and run by our specialists”, Kumbaro said.

While Director of musealization Edlira Çaushi informed that the Laboratory for the conservation of archaeological objects has been displaced since March in the premises of the museum. The first floor of the Museum is expected to open very soon. “Work has been really intense. We came here in March. We moved here and have canned all the objects to be exhibited on the first floor of the building. We have completed the conservation of objects and will proceed with the placement in showcases. Part of the work has been completed; a small part remains to finish quickly.”- Mrs. Çaushi said.

The Minister announced that the functioning of the archaeological museum will proceed in parallel with work on the amphitheatre of Durres, which has also undergone restoration. “The museum will be one of the important attractions, because it will be part of an itinerary that we are building with the amphitheatre of Durres, which also has undergone restoration, with new lighting. We will continue to rehabilitate the internal arena.” – Minister Kumbaro explained.

Director Çaushi explained that previous state of conservation of buildings was really bad, having suffered multiple injuries from the reconstruction work carried out earlier.

In cooperation with the Municipality of Durres, the outer space of the museum has been re-qualified in terms of canalization, drainage and lighting.

By assessing the Museum as one of the greatest assets of Durres, Mayor Vangjel Dako said that the Municipality has provided the utmost commitment to transform it into an important cultural destination for tourists and visitors.

“We look forward to the completion of the works, as the Museum is the biggest asset to the city of Durres. It’s a very important point, because everyone who visits Durres visits also the Museum, it is part of the tourist attraction of the city of Durres. Therefore, we are very motivated to end works quickly. Our Municipality has given its contribution for the re-qualification of spaces outside the museum. It was abandoned for almost 20 years.” –  Mayor Durres said.

Dako said that from day to day Durres is offering a brand new picture, a transformation in all aspects. “I invite all citizens to come and visit this city. I am convinced that they will see a transformed city transformed, not only because of the museum, but also for public works that we are doing in the city. Especially visitors from Kosovo and Macedonia who have been here before will see this year a city transformed.”