From the National Gallery of Arts to private artist’s workshops and studios, there are many art galleries in Tirana worthy of your attention.
National Gallery of Arts (Galeria Kombëtare e Arteve)
The most prestigious of the art galleries in Tirana, the National Gallery of Arts (Galeria Kombëtare e Arteve) preserves the artistic, national cultural heritage of the Republic of Albania. The institution traces its history back to 1946, when a group of Albanian artists founded the Arts’ Committee of Albania. The first institution of fine arts ever known in the country was Pinakoteka. Soon after this, the Gallery of Arts opened to the public on 11 January 1954.
The new-formed arts space grew quickly and had to change locations several times to accommodate the increasing number of artworks displayed in its exhibition halls. The latest location of the gallery is at the Boulevard “Martyrs of the Nation” (Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit).
The gallery has a permanent exhibition, but may also host temporary exhibitions of Albanian and foreign artists.
Art Galleries in Tirana: the Cloud Pavilion at the National Art Gallery (Image by Anila Amataj – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Ekphrasis Arts & Cultural Center DitArt
Ekphrasis Arts & Cultural Center DitArt was established in 2008 by Blerina Berberi and Kevin Tummers. Ekphrasis means “to relate another art by defining and describing the essence and form of that original art in order to “speak to you” through its illuminative liveliness.” It offers a space for creative minds, but not only, for meetings, workshops, exhibitions, book promotions, and other cultural events. Current events are listed on their official website.
Gallery70 Contemporary Art
Gallery70 Contemporary Art is a private gallery showcasing local and international talent. Its purpose is to develop “long-term relationship with artists, be communicative, international, multidisciplinary, and educational and provide economic empowerment to its artists.”
Galeria Kalo
Galeria Kalo is a contemporary art space that promotes local art. You can see a variety of works by ambitious Albanian artists. The gallery has a special focus on inclusive art and supports especially young emerging artists and recycled art.
Galeria E. Rira
Galeria E. Rira was founded in 1997 by Edmond Rira to promote the values of Albanian art. It showcases works of the artist, but also welcomes contributions by other Albanian artists.
Tirana Ekspres
Tirana Ekspres is an alternative cultural center initiated by artists, activists, environmentalists, policymakers, social-business undertakers and researchers whose purpose is to enhance the cultural and artistic perception and expression in Tirana and even beyond. They support visual arts, but also literature, music, and theater.
Tirana Ekspres (The alternative art space of Tirana)
Gallery Gjikondi
Gallery Gjikondi was founded in 1999 by Vangjel Gjikondi, a graduate of the Tirana the Academy of Fine Arts. It showcases works of the artist.