National Gallery of Arts was founded in 1954 and was transferred to the Boulevard “Deshmoret e Kombit” in 1974. National Arts Gallery is the most important institution of visual arts in our country. National Collection of visual arts is preserved here starting from the second half of the 19th century till present.
This collection consists of works from National Renaissance and Independence period (1883 – 1944) , a collection of icons belonging to the 13th – the 19th century, the biggest paintings and sculptures collection of Socialist Realism period (1944-1990), foreign artists pavilion and a collection of contemporary national and international art Temporary exhibitions are organized in the ground floor, mainly for the contemporary art. Some of the most important annual exhibitions organized are “Marubi” International Artistic Photography Contest and “Onufri” International Visual Arts Contest. Tirana Biennale, one of the biggest manifestations of contemporary art in an international level is organized every other year. The promoting of artists, associations and various artistic groups from the country and abroad takes place in the National Arts Gallery. Works from national fund are displayed in the first and the second floor, separated according to the historical periods or on the basis of artistic concepts, which intend to
revaluate in time the values that this institution has, so as to present the to the public qualitatively. National Arts Gallery preserves around 4000 works.
(***) In May, June, July, August and September the visiting hours are: 1000-2000