Currently, the Marubi Museum is in the process of setting up the exhibition “The Kodheli Brothers and Kolë Idromeno.” Its staff is working to ensure everything is ready for August 19, when the long-awaited exhibition will open.

However, during these days, the museum will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, where visitors can explore the permanent collection of the Marubi Dynasty.The new exhibition will launch on World Photography Day (Monday, August 19). For its opening, the Marubi Museum has collaborated with the Institute of Anthropology.

Luçjan Bedeni, the curator of this exhibition, recounts the history of the studio, which, after the death of Pietro Marubi in 1903, was owned by Kel Marubi. The earthquake of 1905, which destroyed a significant part of Shkodër, also led to the ruin of the Foto Studio “Marubi.” This was the moment when Kel Marubi decided to purchase a new residence and a shop where he could rebuild his studio from scratch. With a new vision, Kel transformed the studio into a manufactory that traded the finest photographic materials from Paris, Vienna, Milan, and Dresden, making it a reference point for the region.Between 1908 and 1912, Kel Marubi’s contribution as a supporter of nationalists became evident. In the studio, now renamed “Dritëshkroja Marubbi” in Albanian, the club “Gjuha Shqipe” was founded, so it is not surprising that many patriots were photographed by Kel. In fact, Kel Marubi dedicated a special register to their photographs, titled “Njerëz në za e sende të kujdesshme.”This register includes three significant photographs: “The Congress of Elbasan,” “The Professors of the Elbasan Normal School,” and “The Students of the Elbasan Normal School,” which appear to be reproductions. Until now, there has been no information about who might have been the author of these published photographs, and they were consequently attributed to Kel. With the digitization of the photographic archive of the Institute of Anthropology, it has been discovered that these photographs were taken by Kolë Idromeno. This revelation not only provides new information but also introduces us to clear images that for years have been published in a blurred state for the public.

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