For the first time, photos by Swiss scholar Eugène Pittard from 1921 are on display in Tirana. The exhibition opened at the Center for Openness and Dialogue (COD) with support from the Swiss Embassy.

The collection shows Albania’s history and identity through Pittard’s lens. He and his wife Hélène traveled the country in 1921. They captured daily life, cities, and landscapes.

Swiss Ambassador Ruth Huber, curator Elton Koritari, writer Luan Rama, and scholar Kudret Isaj attended the opening. They praised Pittard’s work as a rare testament to Swiss-Albanian friendship.

Huber said, “These images show admiration and respect. We see Albania as Pittard saw it: beautiful, culturally rich, and humane.”

Luan Rama noted, “Pittard embraced Albania a century ago. He compared it to Switzerland and saw a parallel in identity and resilience.”

Kudret Isaj highlighted Pittard’s discoveries in Neolithic sites and his efforts to send quinine to Albanian children to fight malaria in the 1920s–30s.

Visitors also experienced a documentary and VR installations that combined history with modern technology. The exhibition catalog launched during the event.

The exhibition runs until November 13, 2025.

Pittard promoted Albania internationally. He supported its independence, helped it join the League of Nations in 1920, and founded the Albanian Red Cross.

The campaign to honor Pittard continues with events through 2025–2026.

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