Archaeological Museum in Durres

The Archaeological Museum of Durrës is the largest archaeological museum in the country, boasting an extensive collection of over 3,000 artifacts unearthed from numerous archaeological excavations in and around the ancient site of Dyrrhachium. This collection provides a comprehensive view of the development of the city during Late Antiquity and the Medieval period. Currently, the Museum is undergoing renovation under the EU4Culture programme and will be transformed into a modern educational hub. The redesigned museum will enable visitors to immerse themselves in and experience ancient history through classic and high-tech storytelling, virtual reality, and multimedia tools. Visitors will navigate redesigned exhibition routes, marvel at new treasures discovered during recent underwater archaeological expeditions, and gather for cultural events and performances in a completely revamped outdoor urban space

Interventions proposed and intended to be implemented for rehabilitation of the Museum, regarding EU4Culture project include different categories such as:

DESIGN

Conservation scope
– Structural stabilization of prefabricated concrete structure
– Repair of internal surfaces
– Design for temporary exhibitions and utilization of outdoor upper terraces
– Disaster risk management
– Maintenance program and plans

Infrastructure

– Improving electrical installations for lighting
– Improving surveillance and safety system
– Improving heating and ventilation system
– Upgrade of visitors’ utilities and museum storage and conservation facilities
– Audio and digital system for interpretation purposes
– Urban landscaping around the museum to provide adequate space outdoor events
– Health and safety, emergency evacuation, fire alarms and protection

CONSULTATIONS AND DESIGN

Revitalization scope

– Content creation for digital interpretation
– Tactile interpretation and overall establishment of universal access
– Identifying, engaging and supporting local producers and artisans for events relating to demonstration of traditional techniques of production and similar
– Branding and visual identity

MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS PLAN

Management

– Designing structure for managing visitors’ and functions for local engagement
– Additional functions, cafe; bookshop; souvenir shop
– Designing aspects of events and activities for all age and interest groups

GRANTS

Local socio economic component (grant schemes and practical training)

– Engaging university of Tirana’s master program on cultural heritage management in continuous practical training scheme regarding museum displays; exhibition content creation, collection management and management in overall