The Concert Hall of the University of Arts in Tirana, renovated by TAP and the Albanian Ministry of Culture opens its doors to the public
Tirana, Albania. As part of its Social and Environmental Investment (SEI) program, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) AG, along with the Albanian Ministry of Culture, co-funded the renovation, refurbishment, and restoration of the Concert Hall of the University of Arts in Tirana (UAT). The building, which enjoys the status of cultural monument of category II, opened its doors to the public on October 20, 2023 with a gala event organised on the occasion of ‘Artists’ Day’.
TAP provided €1.7 million for the renovation project, which constituted one of the largest social and environmental investments in Albania, adding to a long list of investments in education, infrastructure, culture and environment. Furthermore, TAP has also financed the feasibility study and the preparation of the detailed engineering design for the refurbishment of the concert hall, amounting to an additional €150,000.
The Concert Hall building, which dates back to 1942 was designed by the Italian architect Gherardo Bosio, and is considered a reference point for Albania’s architecture in the mid-20th century.
The first event in the renovated Concert Hall featured Edi Rama, the Albanian Prime Minister, UAT Alumni and former academic staff, Elva Margariti, the Minister of Culture, Kastriot Caushi, the Rector of the UAT, as well as several well-known artists who have performed at the UAT throughout the years.
Luca Schieppati, TAP Managing Director said, “TAP has always been at the forefront of promoting arts and cultural heritage in Albania. I am delighted to see the audience enjoying the gala event, the first performance taking place in this historical building. The UAT Concert Hall is a point of reference for performing arts in Albania and this is one of the largest Social Environment Investments of TAP in the country.”
Malfor Nuri, TAP Country Representative in Albania said, “This landmark building for the city of Tirana has hosted numerous national and international cultural events throughout the years. I am very pleased that we managed to complete the project with respect to the building’s history and architecture. I am happy that this impressive Concert Hall will start hosting events, such as theatre plays and concerts once again, benefiting the residents of Tirana and the wider Albanian cultural community”.
Given the building’s special status, its refurbishment required care and specific technical expertise. Therefore, the project brought together several partners: the Ministry of Culture of Albania and TAP, acting as project co-funders, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (Cooperazione Italiana), Atelier4 and the University of Florence, Italy.
With significant experience in the restoration of historical buildings and objects of art, the University of Florence carried out the study on the conservation approach, monitored the process and supported the delivery of this project.