Introducing: Museum of Kosovo

Manifesta 14 continues to introduce the venues where we will present urban and artistic interventions throughout our 100-day programme in Prishtina. Today, we introduce the Museum of Kosovo, a building dedicated to the rich and vibrant history and culture of this country.

Open since 1949, this museum is one of the oldest cultural and historical institutions in Kosovo. The museum’s collection includes archaeological discoveries, historical documents and ethnographical artifacts which explore the timeline of Albanians residing in these territories all the way up to the most recent important events in Kosovo and their aftermath.

The building is in a part of the city that connects the Old Town to the centre of Prishtina. It has a specific architectural style, belonging to the period of Austro-Hungarian influence, meaning it is unique compared to other urban developments in Prishtina. Before it became a centre for culture and history, it was a military headquarter.

Nearby the Museum of Kosovo, you can see a glimpse of the older Prishtina. The Emin Gjiku complex, which is an extended part of this museum, expresses the culture and lifestyle of the families in this city in the 18th century.

Today, visitors can find nearby the Archaeological Museum on the third floor of the building. The museum aims to exhibit the many findings, objects, photographs and documents about Kosovo but also provide a space for the community to learn, explore and research.

Within the museum you can find the turmoil, and glories, of Kosovo. One of the most significant parts of the visit is witnessing through documents and photography the independence of Kosovo, displayed on the second floor of this museum.

For 100 days starting this summer, the Museum of Kosovo will be one of the venues of Manifesta 14 Prishtina.