Bratko Museum of Oriental Art

About

Bratko Museum of Oriental Art in Korçë is one of Albania’s most unusual cultural treasures, born from the passion of collector Vangjush Bratko, who spent decades gathering artworks from across Asia. Opened in 2003, the museum stands out for its elegant modern design and its mission: to connect Albanian audiences with the artistic traditions of Japan, China, India, and the Middle East. Its collection is small but remarkably refined, offering an intimate encounter with cultures rarely represented in Albanian museums. Inside, the highlight is the gallery of Japanese art, featuring delicate ukiyo‑e prints, calligraphy, and textiles that reveal the subtle aesthetics of Edo‑period craftsmanship. Visitors can also explore Chinese porcelain, bronze objects, and embroidered garments that showcase centuries of artistic continuity. A particularly intriguing section is the display of samurai armor and ceremonial items, which often surprises visitors with its level of detail and preservation.

Korçë Albania

Location

The Bratko Museum of Oriental Art is one of the most unique museums in Albania and you will find it in the southeast side of Korçë. It is located at Bulevardi Fan Noli 57, Korçë, Albania, on the same boulevard as the National Museum of Medieval Art. The museum opened in 2003 thanks to the donation of Albanian-American photographer George Dimitri Boria, and it is dedicated entirely to Asian art. The spot is great because you are right in the cultural heart of the city. Right next door is the National Museum of Medieval Art, famous for its collection of Orthodox icons, so you can easily visit both in one go. A short walk away you have the Archaeological Museum on Rruga Mihal Grameno, the National Museum of Education on Bulevardi Shën Gjergji which was the first Albanian language school, and the Gjon Mili Photography Museum. From there you can continue to the Old Bazaar of Korçë with its cobblestone streets, traditional shops and cozy cafes, and to the big Orthodox Cathedral of the Resurrection. Everything is close, so it is perfect for a relaxed walking tour of the city center.