Explore the winning Oppenheim Architecture competition design for Albania's Besa Museum

The firm's design process began with connecting and engaging with local restoration experts, historians that specialized in Ottoman and Albania architecture/culture, a museologist, and Albanologists. After learning and discussing ways to approach the museum's design needs and restoration process the firm also collaborated with Ralph Appelbaum Associates, a specialty firm that assisted in the Oppenheim Architecture team to "meet the unique requirements of the museum." 

Using the existing Toptani Residence located on the project's site, the firm aimed to create a two-part museum experience. The first part of the museum is located above ground within the existing residence that takes visitors through the home to help narrate Besa's history and cultural significance, while the second part of the museum is located underground. Another important addition are four, bright red, monolithic pillars that represent the "tradition, protection, hospitality, and honor" of Albania. 

Beat Huesler (Director of Oppenheim Architecture Europe) explained, "Since beginning our work in Albania a few years ago, we have been inspired by the culture and vibrancy of its people. We hope that our vision for the Besa Museum will use architecture as a tool to illustrate the Albanian people’s deep love and respect for their heritage and one another [...] We want to leverage the power of the existing house, having it as a site of exhibits and an exhibit itself.”

"The spaces serve as testimonies to the Albanian way of life, with the Oppenheim team proposing a restoration of the rooms and art in order to highlight historical and current events during which Besa has guided Albania; notably, welcoming of Jews during the Holocaust, as well as Kosovar and Afghan refugees in contemporary times."

Explore interior images of the museum below. 

View additional drawings and plans of the project in our image gallery.