House of Leaves Museum

"Originally constructed as a villa in the 1930s, the building was repurposed during the communist era to house the Sigurimi, Albania's secret police force. Renamed "House of Leaves" due to the dense foliage that obscured its activities from prying eyes, the building became a center for surveillance, interrogation, and the suppression of dissent. Since its transformation into a museum in 2017, the House of Leaves has served as a poignant reminder of Albania's tumultuous past and the pervasive reach of state surveillance. Visitors can explore its chilling exhibits, which include reconstructions of interrogation rooms, audio recordings of intercepted conversations, and personal testimonies from those who lived under surveillance. Through immersive displays and interactive experiences, the museum sheds light on the dark legacy of authoritarianism while honoring the memory of those who suffered under its grip. As Albania continues to reckon with its communist past and embrace a more open and democratic future, the House of Leaves Museum stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of safeguarding individual freedoms. By confronting the shadows of its history, the museum invites visitors to reflect on the fragility of democracy and the enduring quest for truth and justice in societies around the world."

"Delve into the intriguing world of espionage at the House of Leaves. This museum, housed in the former Sigurimi headquarters, offers an immersive journey into Albania’s surveillance and secret police history. Through interactive exhibits and personal stories, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the surveillance methods employed during the communist regime. The House of Leaves is one of the top things to do in Tirana for history buffs and those interested in Cold War history."

"Dive into the feeling on being bugged and spying on. Details about the time, how, when, where and who. Demonstrating real materials, videos, cameras, microphones and more. How the house it self was used during the time and how it changed within the years. Very interesting. 🎫You have to pay cash in Lek - 700/p.P. "