The House of Leaves Museum, officially known as the National Museum of Secret Surveillance, is one of the most haunting and important cultural landmarks in Tirana, Albania. Located in a villa built in 1931, the building was originally a private obstetrics clinic before being used by the Gestapo during WWII and later becoming the headquarters of the communist-era secret police, the Sigurimi. The ivy-covered façade gives the house its name, while inside, the rooms reveal the hidden machinery of Albania’s oppressive surveillance state between 1944 and 1991.
The museum features over 30 rooms divided into thematic sections, offering an in-depth look into the tools and tactics used for political control. Exhibits include original wiretapping equipment, interrogation and analysis rooms, secret recording devices, surveillance archives, and even a darkroom used to develop film used in covert operations. The preservation of the building’s original interiors and careful curation of artifacts create an immersive and chilling experience, giving visitors a powerful sense of the fear and suspicion that defined life under dictatorship.
Since its opening in 2017, the House of Leaves has become a symbol of remembrance and reflection in post-communist Albania. It not only commemorates the countless lives affected by state surveillance and political persecution but also encourages dialogue about human rights and the value of freedom. In 2020, the museum received the prestigious Council of Europe Museum Prize, recognizing its vital role in confronting history and promoting democratic values across Europe.
Museum Entrance Ticket
Inclusion
Access to Permanent Exhibitions: Explore a comprehensive collection of exhibits detailing Albania secret surveillance history during the Communist era.
Access to Special Thematic Rooms: Discover focused exhibits highlighting surveillance techniques, personal stories of victims, and acts of resistance.
Access to Multimedia Displays: View archival photographs, surveillance equipment, recorded interviews, and other authentic materials that reveal the inner workings of the secret police.
Access to Basement Surveillance Rooms: Explore authentic monitoring spaces with original equipment and preserved cells reflecting the historic surveillance operations.
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