Archaeological Museum in Durrës

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. Visitors will navigate redesigned exhibition routes and have the opportunity to gather for cultural events.

Scope of Works 

The restoration intervention work consists of the following key points listed below:

  • Exterior, interior and terrace preservation works.
  • Partial storage and updating of the exhibition boxes depending on the analysis of the artifacts and the need to meet the optimal conditions for their maintenance (lighting /humidity control / material).
  • Lighting wiring, which is currently dim, old and insufficient to fit the museum exhibits and contemporary principles.
  • Heating and ventilation system, mechanical and electrical systems which will be rebuilt. 
  • Updating visitor utilities.
  • Audio and digital system for interpretation purposes, specially designed for people. with disabilities to provide access to museums.
  • Urban landscape around the museum to provide space dedicated to outdoor events.
  • Health and safety, emergency evacuation, fire and protection alarms.
  • Preservation of the existing masonry and repair of cracks.
  • The tiles and layers of the terraces and the inner yard will be removed.
  • Discharge cassettes and degraded gutters will be replaced. 
  • The damaged layer of the parapet of the terraces will be removed. 
  • The exterior facade will be cleaned.
  • The plumbing system of the building will be made anew.
  • The walls that have suffered major damage will be reinforced.
  • The gypsum walls that have undergone significant cracking will be rebuilt.
  • The deteriorated plastering will be repaired, especially in the areas where the structural elements join the masonry, as well as in the areas where humidity has acted more abruptly.
  • Replacing missing vertical gutters as well as those that have deteriorated over time.

The museum is currently under construction and will soon open its doors to visitors.