Background

House of Leaves: Museum of Secret Surveillance

Uncover Albania's secret past at the House of Leaves Museum, a chilling reminder of communist-era surveillance in the heart of Tirana.

4.3

Explore the chilling history of Albania's communist-era secret surveillance at the House of Leaves Museum in Tirana. Once the headquarters of the Sigurimi, the museum showcases the tools and methods used to monitor citizens, offering a glimpse into a dark period of Albanian history.

A brief summary to House of Leaves Museum

  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Photography is prohibited inside the museum, so be prepared to rely on your memory and take notes.
  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum's 31 rooms and exhibits.
  • Visit early in the day, especially during the summer, to avoid crowds.
  • The museum is closed on Mondays.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    The House of Leaves Museum is centrally located in Tirana, between Skanderbeg Square and Taiwan Park. From Skanderbeg Square, walk along Rruga Murat Toptani, then turn right onto Rruga Ibrahim Rugova. The museum will be on your left, opposite the Orthodox Cathedral. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Tirana's public buses operate frequently, with many lines stopping near Skanderbeg Square. From the square, it's a short walk to the House of Leaves Museum. Bus fare is 40 Lek per ride. Check local bus routes for the most convenient option.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Tirana. A short taxi ride from Skanderbeg Square to the House of Leaves Museum will typically cost between 300-350 Lek, depending on traffic and the time of day. Ensure the driver activates the taximeter at the beginning of the ride.

Unlock the Best of House of Leaves Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about House of Leaves Museum

The House of Leaves Museum, officially known as the Museum of Secret Surveillance, is located in the heart of Tirana, Albania. This unique museum is housed in a two-story villa that served as the headquarters of the Sigurimi, the Albanian secret police, during the communist regime. Before its role as a surveillance center, the building functioned as a medical clinic in 1931 and was later used by the Gestapo during the German occupation in World War II. The museum opened to the public on May 23, 2017, and is dedicated to commemorating the victims of surveillance, arrests, prosecutions, convictions, and executions that occurred during the communist era. The name "House of Leaves" is symbolic, referring to the way the building is covered in trees and leaves, representing the unknown and the hidden aspects of Albanian society during the Enver Hoxha regime. It also alludes to the thousands of files containing information on people. The museum features 31 rooms displaying various surveillance equipment, documents, and personal testimonies from the period. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing political trials, propaganda, and the methods used to control the population. The museum also highlights the sophisticated tools used by the regime, including microphones, bugs, and models from the Soviet Union, China, and Germany. The House of Leaves stands as a reminder of the suffering endured by the Albanian people during 50 years of dictatorship and serves as a crucial educational resource for understanding Albania's journey toward democracy.

Popular Experiences near House of Leaves Museum

Popular Hotels near House of Leaves Museum

Select Currency