Explore images of Oppenheim Architecture's winning competition design for Albania's Besa Museum

Miami-based Oppenheim Architecture showcases its winning design for the two-phased international competition to design and restore Albania's Besa Museum. The site was chosen by the Ministry of Culture of Albania because it's "located in the Toptani Residence in Albania’s lively capital city, Tirana, which showcased it as a historical monument that is meant to be preserved and respected. The Toptani Residence itself is a critical part of Albanian history, named for one of the country’s most historic families." The museum project, which is set to be Albania's newest cultural institution, aims to "honor the nation’s rich cultural heritage and welcoming spirit." Out of 40 design entries, Oppenheim Architecture's European office was selected for its approach to honoring the country's history. The firm shares the name of the museum comes from the Albania concept of Besa, which is "a sacred principle that represents the given word, or  one's honor to host and protect any guest and welcome them as one of your own, and demonstrate the core of the Albanian way."Read the full post on Bustler