Marubi National Museum of Photography, Shkodër

The Marubi National Museum of Photography in the city of Shkodër is a gem. Italian photographer Pietro Marubi opened the first photography studio in this city of Northern Albania in the mid-19th century, when the country was under Ottoman rule. The archive of pictures taken by him and successors -his assistant Kel and Kel’s son Gegë- is notable from a historical, sociological, cultural and anthropological point of view.

The works document an important period of Albanian history, from the beginnings of independence movement, through the Balkan and second world wars, to communism under Enver Hoxha. Revolutionaries, farmers, politicians, musicians, religious and people dressed in folkloric costumes can all be found in the unique collection of the museum. Beside the pictures and objects, visitors can watch interesting videos about the museum and Albania story in the ground floor before the visit.

The building itself is a piece of art: the Museum is hosted in a historical building originally designed by the Albanian architect and artist born in Shkodër, Kolë Idromeno, situated in the heart of the old town. The museum’s design aims to promote a connection between tradition and modernity, past and present, establishing a deep dialogue between them in every corner of the building. Marubi National Museum of Photography, which is at the same time an interesting multifunctional space for lectures, workshops and temporary exhibitions, is a cultural landmark of Shkodër and a not-to-miss place to visit when in Albania.