Albania inaugurated the new Archaeological Museum in Lezhë today on the International Museum Day. The European Union supported the project.

The museum stands near the city’s castle. It displays artifacts from prehistory to the Middle Ages. As a result, visitors can explore the rich history of the area through a complete historical timeline.

Several officials attended the inauguration ceremony. Among them were Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja, SASPAK Director General Eridana Çano, EU Delegation representative Entela Sulka and Lezhë Mayor Pjerin Ndreu.

In his speech, Gonxhja said the opening of the museum makes Albanians proud of their identity. Furthermore, he stressed that the museum helps international visitors better understand Albania’s deep European and Mediterranean roots.

Meanwhile, Mayor Ndreu stated that the museum enriches Lezhë’s cultural and tourism mosaic. According to him, the museum adds another important attraction for both local and foreign visitors.

In addition, cultural heritage specialist Paulin Zefi said the museum exhibits 268 objects. Most of them come from discoveries made by archaeologist Frano Prendi during the 1960s and 1970s. The collection also includes findings from German archaeological expeditions and various accidental discoveries.

One of the museum’s most innovative features is its virtual experience. Visitors can take a virtual tour of the Craftsmanship Chamber in Gjakova. Consequently, the museum connects cultural heritage across borders and brings history closer to tourists.

The European Union financed the Archaeological Museum of Lezhë through the Albania–Kosovo cross-border project. Moreover, it became the city’s second museum after the Ethnographic Museum, which opened several years ago.

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