Durrës Archaeological Museum & Galan Trio: History and Harmony on Albania’s Coast
- Jenn & Leon
- Nov 14, 2022
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 16, 2025
This fascinating museum is the largest of its kind in Albania and was host to the wonderful Galan Trio for what was a pretty awesome date night.
Recommended by our Airbnb host, our visit was a last-minute impulse decision that we are most grateful to have made!
The performance was excellent, as were the setting, ambience, and the very special meaning behind the music.
In case you didn't know, we absolutely love history, and we are always attracted to museums. We had not planned on coming here before we arrived in Durrës, so the suggestion from our host was well received!
Of course, the addition of a piano trio was a significant bonus and kind of typical of our travels; opportunities like this always seem to manifest, and we are most grateful for them!
Read on for more on our fantastic experience here, including museum highlights, a video snippet of the Galan Trio performance, and more information on the special story behind the concert.
In This Post...
About the Archaeological Museum of Durrës
The Archaeological Museum of Durrës in Albania was first opened in 1951 and has a collection of over 3000 artifacts.
A vast majority are from the Greek and Roman periods, when the city was widely known as Dyrrhachium.
Durrës was once a center of worship for the Greek goddess Venus, and such is the historical importance of some of the pieces that there are growing calls for this to become a national museum.
It is currently operated by the Regional Directorate of Durrës Monuments.
The museum has a lovely vibe, and we both love Greek and Roman history, so we were in our element!
The Archaeological Museum is a great place to observe the life of people in Durrës thousands of years ago.
Alongside the aforementioned Greek and Roman collections, you can also find many Hellenistic and Byzantine artifacts that highlight the prominence of this region.
All of the pieces have information detailed in English as well as Albanian, which we appreciated!
There is a particularly large display of terracotta busts with artifacts referencing not just Venus but also the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.
This was a welcome highlight for us, as we got engaged at Aphrodite's Rock in Cyprus and have always held a very high regard for this special goddess.
Additionally, there are tons of coins, engraved tombstones, milestone markers, Roman & Greek statues, and even a kiln for baking clay!
Not that you could tell today, but the museum itself suffered heavy damage from rioting and looting in the 1997 Albanian Revolution.
It was gradually restored but closed its doors for 4 years in 2011 for further upgrades and improvements.
It continues to attract funding for further renovations and has enjoyed more exposure and prominence in recent years.
Keep reading to find out more about the exciting Galan Trio, highlights of their performance, and a sneak peek of our other adventures in Albania.
Who Are the Galan Trio?
Galan Trio is a Greek band of 3 artists: Petros Bouras (piano), Dimitra Triantafyllou (violin), and Marina Kolovou (cello).
Originally soloists, they came together in 2012 with a vision of performing classical music in a fresh new way.
They include video art, light shows, and dancing to accompany their unique interpretations. In September 2018, Babis Karasavvidis became their new violinist.
They have performed live in China, Greece, Armenia, and a host of other countries.
Their debut album, 'Switch,' received critical acclaim and was broadcast around the world.
They have shared the stage with a host of other major names in the industry, and 'Ararat' is the latest composition that they have released for their ever-growing audience.
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The Ararat Concert
This project has been performed in several countries around the Balkans and the Greek states, and its journey began 4 years ago.
It is a beautiful concert underwritten by music created by no less than six different composers, all from different countries.
To ensure cohesion and flow to the compositions, the theme 'Six Perspectives of Mount Ararat' was born.
In Armenian, every element of the word 'Ararat' has a different meaning, which is represented individually by the composers.
As stated on the concert program: 'The story of Noah's Ark, stranded on the slopes of Mount Ararat after long, aimless wandering.
The most important thing in this story is hope. To keep hoping even when everything has sunk, disappeared, and nothing can be seen.
But somewhere there is a mountain on whose flanks we might rest. Ararat is a symbol for all who believe in a life powered by indomitable hope.' - David Haladjian.
The nearly 2-hour performance was flawless, and the journey and meaning were evident in each of the six pieces of music.
We were completely enamored by the setting and the beautiful tones. The Galan Trio was superb, and we thoroughly enjoyed the Ararat Concert!
How to Get to the Archaeological Museum of Durrës
Located near the Adriatic coast in central Durrës, Albania, the Durrës Archaeological Museum is the largest of its kind in the country and sits just steps from the seaside promenade.
It’s a must-visit for history lovers and is easily accessible by various transport options.
On Foot (from City Center or Amphitheatre)
The museum is an easy 10-minute walk from the Durrës Amphitheatre and just 5 minutes from Shëtitorja Taulantia, the main beachfront promenade.
Follow the waterfront path eastward past cafés and statues until you see the museum’s striking modern facade.
By Bus
Local buses from Durrës Bus Terminal (about 2 km away) stop near the city center. From there, it's a short walk to the museum.
If arriving from Tirana, take the intercity bus to Durrës, then walk or grab a quick taxi.
By Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable. A taxi from the bus terminal or beach hotels to the museum typically takes around 5–10 minutes.
Be sure to agree on the fare before the ride or use a rideshare app if available.
By Bicycle or E-Scooter
Durrës is increasingly bike-friendly, and you’ll find rental bikes and e-scooters available along the promenade.
There are places to safely park near the museum entrance.
By Car
If driving, set your navigation to Rruga Taulantia, near Volga Beach. Free and paid street parking is available nearby, but it can get busy during peak hours.
The museum is well signposted and lies close to many other attractions in the old town.
Car Rental
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⪢ Consider Taking a Tour
One of the most popular ways to visit Durres is by tour. Book day trips from the capital, Tirana, and explore popular spots like Bovilla Lake, Gamti Mountain, and Grunas Waterfall with GetYourGuide.
⪢ Contact Information for the Archaeological Museum of Durrës
Address: Rruga Taulantia 32, Durrës 2000, Albania
The museum is temporarily closed for renovations as of April 2025. We will update this post when more information becomes available about the reopening.
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Our Experience Rating:
Museum of Durrës
As far as date nights go, this one is right up there for us. It was unexpected, having been recommended just a few hours before the event, but it is those types of opportunities that tend to turn out to be the best ones.
The setting inside the museum could not have been more perfect, as the music enchanted and dazzled.
It was very spiritual, and you could feel the energy from not just the sounds but the epic artifacts too. This one will not be forgotten any time soon, that is for sure!
FAQ: Visiting the Archaeological Museum of Durrës—History Meets Harmony
Where is the Archaeological Museum of Durrës located?
The museum is located on the Durrës seafront, just a short walk from the main promenade and beach. It’s situated near the old Roman walls and close to other historic landmarks like the Durrës Amphitheatre.
What kind of exhibits does the museum feature?
The museum houses artifacts from prehistoric, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods, including:
● Ancient pottery
● Marble statues
● Mosaics
● Funerary stelae
● Jewelry and daily-life objects from Durrës’ long history as a key Adriatic port
What are the opening hours and ticket prices?
The museum is generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but hours may vary seasonally or on holidays. Entrance fees are very affordable, typically just a few euros for adults.
The museum is temporarily closed for renovations as of April 2025. We will update this post when more information becomes available about the reopening.
Is the museum suitable for children or casual visitors?
Yes. The museum is compact, informative, and easy to navigate, making it ideal for families and travelers with a light interest in archaeology.
Are the displays labeled in English?
Many exhibits include English translations, though not all. However, the visual presentation and layout still make it accessible without a deep knowledge of Albanian.
How long should I plan for a visit?
A typical visit lasts 30–60 minutes, depending on your interest in ancient history. It pairs well with nearby attractions like the Roman Amphitheatre or a seaside walk.
Was there a live music performance during your visit?
Yes! During the visit covered in the blog, a surprise performance by the Galan Trio, a local classical ensemble, added a magical, atmospheric touch to the museum space.
Who are the Galan Trio?
The Galan Trio is an Albanian musical ensemble known for blending classical music with modern and Balkan influences. Their intimate setting in the museum added an artistic layer to the historic setting.
Is the museum accessible to people with mobility needs?
The museum is mostly on one level, with wide entrances. While it may lack advanced accessibility features, it’s generally easy to enter and move around.
Can I take photos inside the museum?
Yes, non-flash photography is usually allowed, especially for personal use. Be respectful of signage or staff instructions regarding certain exhibits or events.
This was such a magical night. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Albania is so cool!