TIRANA, February 27 – On the eve of the 40th anniversary of the “Onufri” Iconographic Museum, scholars and cultural institutions remember the contribution of Hasan Nallbani, a key figure in the museum’s creation.

In the early 1980s, during the restoration of the narthex of St. Mary’s Church in Berat Castle and after completing advanced restoration studies in Greece, Nallbani proposed transforming the space into an icon museum. He led the selection of icons collected over the years by researcher Theofan Popa, oversaw restorations, and organized the first exhibition in the narthex, establishing the foundation of today’s museum.

For decades, Nallbani has been recognized as one of the foremost experts on Albanian iconographic heritage. He has worked extensively on restorations, documentation, and preservation of church collections in Berat and beyond. His professional expertise, strengthened during his specialization in Greece, made him a trusted figure in the restoration and musealization of icons. His work has left a lasting impact on the protection of Albania’s spiritual and artistic heritage.

Nallbani continues to witness the museum’s evolution. The museum community expresses gratitude for his contributions and wishes him good health and a long life.

/a.p./