Casanova+Hernandez Architects Renovates Albania’s National Historical Museum
Casanova+Hernandez Architects is in the process of renovating the National Historical Museum located in Tirana, Albania, with the first phase approaching its conclusion. This project, which covers 21,400 square meters and unfolds in two phases, is commissioned by Albania's Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation alongside UNOPS, with funding from the European Commission via the EU for Culture (EU4C) initiative. The initial phase focuses on the restoration of the building in Skanderbeg Square and is slated for completion this year. Named "Albanian Kaleidoscope," the renovation aims to repair damage caused by the November 2019 earthquake and features a rooftop plaza, public spaces, and an Events Courtyard, among others, while incorporating digital technologies.
Key facts
- Casanova+Hernandez Architects leads renovation of National Historical Museum in Tirana.
- Project commissioned by Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation of Albania and UNOPS.
- Financed by European Commission through EU for Culture (EU4C) program.
- Museum covers 21,400 square meters; renovation in two phases.
- First phase restores existing building in Skanderbeg Square, completion expected this year.
- Museum originally built in 1980s; damaged in November 2019 earthquake.
- Intervention includes rooftop plaza, open plinth, bookstore-café, library, event spaces, Events Courtyard.
- Key elements: Path of History, Roof Path, Albanian Black Box archive, History Windows.
- Exhibition spaces reorganized around Archaeology, Ethnography, and Albanian Language.
- Digital technologies (AR, VR, immersive installations) to be integrated.
Entities
Artists
- Jesus Hernandez Mayor
- Helena Casanova
- Hadir Al Koshta
- MIR
Institutions
- Casanova+Hernandez Architects
- Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation of Albania
- UNOPS
- European Commission
- EU for Culture (EU4C)
- iRI
- Bofill Taller de Arquitectura
- Rojkind Arquitectos
- Pedro Reyes
- SON Architects
- Motus Holdings
- ASAB
- MVRDV
- Casanova + Hernandez Architects
- National Historical Museum of Albania
- MIR
Locations
- Tirana
- Albania
- Skanderbeg Square
- Dhërmi
- Zyber Hallulli site