The year 2025 has been designated as the “Year of Maks Velo” in honor of the distinguished painter, architect, researcher, and writer.

The official proclamation ceremony will be organized by the National Center for Books and Reading in collaboration with the National Library of Albania, the Authority for Information on Former State Security Documents, and the National Museum of Surveillance, House of Leaves. These institutions will hold a commemorative event tomorrow to pay tribute to Maks Velo’s enduring intellectual and artistic legacy.

Born in Paris in 1935, Velo pursued studies in Structural Engineering at the Polytechnic Institute before specializing in architecture.

The years 1978-1979 marked the most difficult period of his life, as he was arrested and sentenced to ten years in prison. He endured imprisonment under the communist regime, and much of his work reflects his profound exploration of freedom under dictatorship.

Velo is the author of numerous influential works, including Kokëqethja, Palltoja e burgut, Thesi i burgut, Paralele për arkitekturën, Kohë antishenjë, Betonizimi i demokracisë, Hetimi, Spaçi, Jeta ime në figura, Klubi Karavasta, Përkthyesi, and Jetë paralele, among others.

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