The National Archaeological Museum of Durres has reopened its doors following a recent restoration, but continues to operate under reduced visiting hours due to a shortage of specialized staff.
Only two months after its official reopening, the museum has struggled to maintain full accessibility for visitors, highlighting ongoing operational challenges within the wider museum system in Durres.
Tourists, including Italian visitors Michele and Valentina Merlini, expressed disappointment after arriving at the museum expecting standard opening hours, only to find it closed.
“We had information that the museum closed at 7 p.m., but we learned that the daily schedule now ends at 3 p.m. It was also closed on Saturdays and Sundays,” said Valentina Merlini.
The museum is part of the broader Durres Museum Center, which also includes major cultural sites such as the ancient amphitheater, Venetian Tower, circular forum, and medieval bath complex. Director Alban Ramohitaj confirmed that the institution is currently awaiting approval of a new staffing structure from the Ministry of Culture.
According to Ramohitaj, the proposed plan foresees 33 employees—double the current staff level, which would allow the institution to fully respect opening schedules and offer guided tours across all sites.
He also noted that ticketing will be introduced for all visitors, whereas entry had previously been free since the latest reopening phase.
Visitors have also encountered restricted access to parts of the museum, including a sealed-off staircase leading to the second floor, where medieval-era artifacts dating back to the 5th century AD are displayed.
Ramohitaj explained that the second floor exhibition—covering a 10-century historical span of the city—is being made publicly accessible for the first time since 2001.
“Yes, it is true. The second floor with medieval elements is opening for the first time since 2001, when the exhibits were placed in the new museum building,” he said.
The process of formally taking over and completing the installation of all exhibits is currently in its final stages, after which full public access is expected.
Similar arrangements are planned for the ground floor, which will feature ancient artifacts, though this process is expected to take less time due to prior exhibitions.
One of the most anticipated highlights remains the return of the famous “Beauty of Durres” mosaic, dating back to the 4th–3rd century BC. While its reinstallation has been widely welcomed, the installation process has not yet begun.
Specialists Agron Islami and architect Viktor Dhimgjini originally transferred the mosaic in 1982 to the National History Museum in Tirana after its discovery site intervention.
“We have now brought it back to the city where it was discovered 110 years ago,” said Dhimgjini. “We are preparing it to be placed in the most important space of the archaeological museum.”
He added that approval is still pending from the National Council of Cultural Heritage to install all 14 mosaic sections at the museum entrance.
Meanwhile, the museum has also reopened as a cultural venue for concerts and artistic events. The International Chamber Music Festival has returned after a three-year interruption due to restoration works.
Festival organizer Nevila Kalaja said the event’s return has been warmly received by both artists and audiences.
“Artists and visitors feel very comfortable in the museum halls, and the combination of chamber music with archaeological artifacts is wonderful,” she said.
The festival will continue until July 12, featuring multiple international ensembles performing across museum spaces and coastal venues, further integrating cultural tourism with the newly restored archaeological site.