National History Museum Tirana, Tirana

National History Museum Tirana, Tirana

The National History Museum of Albania chronologically traces the history of the country from Antiquity to the Communist era.

The National History Museum of Albania chronologically traces the history of the country from Antiquity to the Communist era. The mural above the museum entrance features illustrious figures from all of Albania's history.

• The Pavilion of Antiquity covers the period from the Late Paleolithic period to the Neolithic Maliq settlement that flourished from the 4th millennium until about 2600 BC. On display are excavated finds from Durrës, Apollonia, Shkodër, Byllis and Amantia, including sculptures of the Apolloniates school, mosaic of the "Beauty of Durres", the head of Artemis, vases decorated with red figures, and finds from the Monumental Tomb of Lower Selca, Pogradec.
• The Pavilion of the Middle Ages traces the period from the 6th to 15th century, during which Ottomans occupied Albania and Skanderbeg revolted against the empire. Highlights include the heraldic emblem of Karl Topia and the Epitaph of Gllavenica.
• The Pavilion of Albanian National Renaissance showcases the cultural heritage of Albania through objects from the mid-19th century until 1912.
• The Pavilion of Independence explores the years after the Declaration of Independence in 1912 until the start of World War II in 1939.
• The Pavilion of Albanian Iconography has over 70 items of Post-Byzantine art from different churches in Albania, dating from the 16th century until the early 19th century.
• The Pavilion of the Antifascist War is dedicated to the movement in Albania against Italian fascism and German Nazism.
• The Pavilion of the Communist Terror explores politics and life under the Communist regime in Albania from 1945 to 1990.
• The Pavilion of Mother Teresa is dedicated to Albanian-born Mother Teresa’s family, life and work.