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BUNK'ART 1: Journey into Albania's Communist Past

Explore Albania's communist past in a unique underground bunker, transformed into a historical museum and art center on the outskirts of Tirana.

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BUNK'ART 1, located on the outskirts of Tirana, is a unique museum housed in a massive underground bunker built during Albania's communist era. Originally designed as an anti-nuclear shelter for the country's political elite, it now offers visitors an immersive experience into Albania's complex history and the impact of the communist regime.

A brief summary to BUNK'ART 1

  • Monday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking through the large underground complex.
  • Bring cash for the entrance fee, as card payments may not be accepted.
  • Consider visiting BUNK'ART 2 in the city center for a more focused exploration of the secret police and communist regime.
  • Combine your visit with a ride on the Dajti Ekspres cable car for panoramic views of Tirana.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Skanderbeg Square in Tirana's city center, take the blue bus to Porcelan. These buses depart from the main bus stop near the Et'hem Bey Mosque. The bus fare is 40 Lek. Get off at 'Dajti Ekspres'. From there, follow the signs to BUNK'ART 1, approximately a 5-minute walk.

  • Taxi

    Hail a taxi from the city center, such as Skanderbeg Square. A taxi ride to BUNK'ART 1 typically costs between 700-1000 Lek. Negotiate the price or ensure the meter is running.

  • Walking

    From the city center, the walk to BUNK'ART 1 takes approximately one hour. Head northeast, following Rruga Fadil Deliu. Note that it is an uphill walk.

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Discover more about BUNK'ART 1

BUNK'ART 1 is a historical and art center located inside a former anti-nuclear bunker in Tirana, Albania. Constructed between 1972 and 1978 during the communist dictatorship of Enver Hoxha, the five-story underground bunker was intended to protect the country's political elite in the event of a nuclear attack. The facility remained a state secret for decades, and it is one of the largest Cold War bunkers in Albania, featuring 106 rooms spread across 3,000 square meters. In 2014, the bunker was transformed into a museum and art center, opening to the public in 2016. BUNK'ART 1 provides a glimpse into Albanian life during the 45 years of communism, with exhibits that chronicle significant events such as the Italian invasion in 1939, the German occupation, and the establishment of the communist regime. Visitors can explore the once-secret passageways, meeting areas, and sleeping quarters of the bunker, which have been transformed into a video museum exhibition. The museum also features reconstructed rooms, including the offices of former leaders, a typical communist-era apartment, and a grocery store, providing a tangible sense of life during that period. BUNK'ART 1 is not just a museum, but an experience that makes you reflect on the past. Visitors can explore propaganda materials, learn about the bunkerization program, and gain an understanding of the regime's propaganda machine. The museum also incorporates contemporary art installations to provide a multifaceted perspective on history.

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