National Puppet Theatre

Built in 1924, the current National Puppet Theater was initially intended to house the Officers Club. However, due to the absence of an alternative gathering space, the building hosted the first Albanian Parliament. After serving various functions over the years, in the 1960s, the building was transformed into the National Puppet Theater, a role it continues to fulfill to this day. The National Puppet Theater stands as a significant landmark in Tirana, serving as a children’s cultural hub deeply ingrained in the memories of several generations of Albanians.

The building, which suffered significant damage during the devastating 2019 earthquake, has been transformed through a comprehensive renovation project implemented by UNOPS in partnership with Albania’s Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation. The restoration project focused on preserving authentic elements of both the exterior and interior, with particular attention to the building’s key architectural periods from the 1920s through the early 1980s. The renovation included full restoration of the facade, reconstruction of the earthquake-damaged stage tower, and comprehensive upgrades to theater mechanisms and infrastructure.

The modernized theater, which can now accommodate up to 130 people, features state-of-the-art stage mechanisms and enhanced audio-visual performance systems while maintaining its historical character. The project addressed structural damage caused by the earthquake, including severe roof damage and structural cracks, while also resolving chronic issues such as dampness.