Latest Updates View All Project News

• 05.17.2022

  The presentation of the architectural project of the Albanian Jewish Museum

  

  The project for the Albanian Jewish Museum was presented by the Israeli Kimmel Eshkolot Architects studio at the National Opera Theater.

  Honorable guests of the event were Mr. Michael D. Granoff, Chairman of the Board of AADF, Prime Minister Mr. Edi Rama, Minister of Culture Mrs. Elva Margariti, Her Excellence Mrs. Yuri Kim, US Ambassador to Albania, Mr. Noah Gal Gendler, Ambassador of the State of Israel to Albania, Mr. Christian Steiner, Ambassador of Austria to Albania, representatives from the Embassy of Great Britain and Germany and other guests.

  The project for the new museum “embraces” the character of the historic center, although it preserves the past, it interprets in a contemporary way the unique history of coexistence between Albanians and the Jewish community.

  “AADF believes that this project is a valuable contribution we are making to future generations,” said Michael D. Granoff, Chairman of the AADF Board.

  Detailed Description

• 11.15.2021

  A wonderful history that we should share with the world!

  

  Chairman of the AADF Board, Mr. Michael D. Granoff and the Minister of Culture, Elva Margariti signed today for the establishment of the Foundation “Albanian Jewish Museum”. Following the examples from the best philanthropic practices in the world, the Foundation will enable the Museum to develop a contemporary program.

  One of AADF top priorities is to keep bringing to Albania “state of the art practice” – from around the world. “Initiatives like today, together with the will of the people who work for them, will surely make the world replicate the best practices from Albania in the near future,” said Mr. Granoff during the ceremony.

  Prof. Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett, a prominent academic of Jewish cultural studies who advises AADF on the museum project, conveyed for the participants the spirit on which we are building this meaningful initiative. Mrs. Felicita Jakoel congratulated on the commencement of the works on behalf of the Albanian-Jewish community in Israel.

  Detailed Description

• 09.24.2021

  The International Design Competition for the Albanian Jewish Museum Architectural Project is officially open

  

  Five international architectural studios are invited to present their proposals for a contemporary building that blends harmoniously with the historic setting of the historical center of Vlora. It will mark to the urban landscape with an architectural 21st century building.

  The international jury will select the winning proposal in December 2021. The project will be further implemented along with an inspiring museum platform which will share with the world the unique story of coexistence between Albanians and the Jewish community.

  The Competition procedure is organized by the constancy office [phase eins] in Berlin on behalf of the AADF and the Ministry of Culture.

  For more details please visit: https://www.phase1.de/projects_albanian-jewish-museum-competition_e.htm

  Detailed description

• 01.26.2021

  The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Albanian Jewish Museum on the International Holocaust Remembrance Day

  

  “At a time when the world closed its doors to Jewish people Albania extended its arm of hospitality. Even among the devastation and death, there were heroes and rescuers and this is important to teach as well” Yael Weinstock Mashbaum,Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center

  Every year on January 27-th the entire world commemorates the victims of the Holocaust and reflect on human rights and dignity. On this symbolic day the Albanian-American Development Foundation, the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Vlora signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the Albanian Jewish Museum project.

  The Albanian Jewish Museum is an integral part of the re-vitalization of Vlora’s Historical center project. As one of its kind in Albania and the region, this museum will serve as a cultural magnet and present the unique story of Albanians and Jews throughout the history, especially during II-nd WW. It will set a new standard for museums in Albania in terms of management, architecture, exhibition and education.

  After closing its preliminary research phase, the initiative of Albanian- American Development Foundation Albanian supported by Ministry of Culture and Vlore municipality is now in its second phase, dedicated to the architectonic and exhibition development project.

  The conceptual framework for the museum, designed by AADF together with the consultant Prof. Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett proposes the development of a 21-century museum, deeply connected to the place, to those who once lived there and to those who live there today.

  “At a time when the world closed its doors to Jewish people Albania extended its arm of hospitality. Even among the devastation and death, there were heroes and rescuers and this is important to teach as well” Yael Weinstock Mashbaum,Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center

  Every year on January 27-th the entire world commemorates the victims of the Holocaust and reflect on human rights and dignity. On this symbolic day the Albanian-American Development Foundation, the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Vlora signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the Albanian Jewish Museum project.

  The Albanian Jewish Museum is an integral part of the re-vitalization of Vlora’s Historical center project. As one of its kind in Albania and the region, this museum will serve as a cultural magnet and present the unique story of Albanians and Jews throughout the history, especially during II-nd WW. It will set a new standard for museums in Albania in terms of management, architecture, exhibition and education.

  After closing its preliminary research phase, the initiative of Albanian- American Development Foundation Albanian supported by Ministry of Culture and Vlore municipality is now in its second phase, dedicated to the architectonic and exhibition development project.

  The conceptual framework for the museum, designed by AADF together with the consultant Prof. Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett proposes the development of a 21-century museum, deeply connected to the place, to those who once lived there and to those who live there today.

  Detailed Description

• 08.04.2020

  Albanian Jewish Museum

  The National Council of Museums and the National Council of Cultural Heritage approved the preliminary project idea for the establishment of the Albanian Jewish Museum in Vlora. A project developed by AADF in collaboration with Ministry of Culture, the Municipality of Vlora and the Albania Jewish community, which aims to build a contemporary institution of the 21^st century that will tell a unique story of coexistence, trust and hope.

  With the consultancy of Prof. Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett AADF developed a proposal that aims to be the only one of its kind in Albania and the region, that sets a new standard for museums in Albania in terms of mission, concept, architecture, management, direction, exhibition creation, storytelling, education, public programs, partnerships and community engagement.

  The Albanian Jewish Museum will be a museum deeply connected to the place, to those who have lived and those who continue to live there. A museum for all, a welcoming place, accessible not only physically but also intellectually, a place to visit for tourists, a source of pride for locals, a meeting point with their history for Albanian Jews.

  This very important first decision paves the way for the designing and development of the next phases of the museum project, that will serve as a cultural magnet, economic promoter for the area and cultural destination for tourists and the Jewish community.

  Detailed description