The historical exhibition of the Bank of Albania, titled “Money Tells a Story: 100 Years of Life and Events, Bank of Albania (1925–2025),” opened today in Pristina at the premises of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo.

The exhibition presents the history of Albanian money and the central bank over the past century.

It takes place between two major anniversaries: the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bank of Albania in 1925 and the 100th anniversary of the issuance of the first Albanian national currency in 1926. Organizers chose Pristina to reflect the shared history and strong institutional, cultural, and economic ties between Albanians.

Governor Ahmet Ismaili, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and Governor Gent Sejko delivered opening remarks. The Bank of Albania team then presented the exhibition and guided guests through the display.

Sejko said the exhibition tells not only the institutional history of the Bank of Albania, but also the daily story of citizens. It shows how people earned, saved, faced crises, and built economic stability across generations. He stressed that coins and banknotes carry symbols, heritage, and identity. They reflect state history, the economy, and public trust.

Kurti said money symbolizes trust, institutional order, and the state itself. He highlighted strong cooperation between Kosovo and Albania. He noted that the two governments signed 58 new agreements in four years through joint meetings.

Ismaili said the exhibition presents more than coins and banknotes. It tells the story of economic, social, and institutional development. He noted that the opening coincides with the week marking the 18th anniversary of Kosovo’s independence. He said the exhibition promotes awareness of the role of money, central banks, and financial stability.

The exhibition traces the journey of Albanian money and the central bank through three major historical periods. It covers the gold standard era, the planned economy, and modern monetary policy focused on price stability. It also features archival material from the General Directorate of Archives in Tirana and the Italian State Archives in Rome. The documents show the activity of the National Bank of Albania in several Kosovo cities in the early 1940s.

The Bank of Albania aims to make history understandable and engaging. It promotes financial education and public awareness at a time when financial decisions grow more complex and technology transforms payment systems.

The exhibition opens in cooperation with the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo and with support from institutional and cultural partners, including the Italian Cultural Institute. It will remain open in Pristina until February 20.

/a.c/