Built in 1924 as a military officers’ club and later the seat of Albania’s first parliament, the National Puppet Theatre has stood as a symbol of Albania’s evolving identity. Situated in the heart of the capital, among the first structures in Tirana built in the European architectural style, the building has witnessed Albania’s defining moments.

Parliamentary debates, diplomatic receptions, and government meetings once echoed within its walls. By the 1960s, those echoes were replaced by the laughter of children when the building found new life as the National Puppet Theatre, becoming a beloved sanctuary of creativity for generations of Albanian children.

However, time and tragedy took their toll. The theatre had been deteriorating for years when a devastating earthquake struck Albania in November 2019. With a magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale, it left destruction across Albania. The Puppet Theatre was among several important cultural heritage sites damaged. The roof was severely damaged, a chimney collapsed, and structural cracks spread across the walls. Chronic issues like dampness and aging internal systems and stage mechanisms further compromised the building.

For Albanians, the damage struck a deeply personal chord. The Puppet Theatre was more than a building – it was a treasure trove of childhood memories, a vibrant cultural gathering place, and a cornerstone of family traditions. Its loss would have meant the disappearance of a beloved piece of Albania’s cultural identity.

Recognizing its irreplaceable value, it was decided that the theatre’s restoration should be included in the EU4Culture programme, a €40 million initiative, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNOPS, aimed at revitalizing cultural heritage sites damaged by the 2019 earthquake. For the theatre, the mission was clear: restore it to its former glory while ensuring it could meet the needs of a modern theatre.

UNOPS adopted a rigorous conservation approach. Every step of the renovation respected the building’s historic design while adding modern improvements. The restoration preserved authentic elements from key historical periods - 1920s elegance, mid-century updates, and 1980s theatrical modifications.

Key achievements included a full facade restoration, repairs to the stage tower, and a complete overhaul of theatre mechanisms. New systems for heating, ventilation, and safety were installed, and the obsolete stage technologies of the 1970s were replaced with state-of-the-art equipment. Chronic dampness issues were resolved, and the auditorium was restored, blending its historic charm with modern functionality. The theatre, now seating 130 people, emerged as a space ready to inspire creativity and foster community connections.

The restoration of the National Puppet Theatre is about more than saving a building – the project is helping boost tourism, support local businesses, and create opportunities for artists and craftspeople. The theatre’s revival shows how cultural landmarks can help communities grow; inspiring pride and celebrating Albania’s unique identity. Restored with a focus on sustainability and accessibility, the theatre is ready to welcome audiences of all ages for years to come.

With its doors open once again, the National Puppet Theatre is ready to fill the stage with laughter, stories, and imagination. For generations, this space has brought families together, and now it will continue to do so – where the past and future meet through art.

In the heart of Tirana, a once-damaged theatre now shines with new life, standing as a symbol of Albania’s commitment to creativity, and the strength of a community coming together.