House of Leaves

House of Leaves, also known as the Museum of Secret Surveillance, offers a chilling glimpse into Albania's communist past. Located in a former Sigurimi (secret police) building, the museum is a meticulously preserved time capsule of surveillance technology, interrogation rooms, and personal stories of those who were monitored. Visitors walk through rooms filled with hidden microphones, one-way mirrors, and bugging devices used to spy on citizens. The exhibits include declassified files, photographs, and audio recordings that reveal the extent of state control. The museum's atmosphere is somber and reflective, providing a deep understanding of how fear and suspicion permeated daily life under Enver Hoxha's regime. It's a must-visit for history buffs and anyone interested in the resilience of the human spirit.

Don't miss

• See original bugging devices hidden in everyday objects like clocks and lamps
• View declassified surveillance files and personal dossiers of ordinary citizens
• Walk through reconstructed interrogation rooms with period furnishings
• Listen to audio recordings of intercepted conversations
• Explore the memorial room dedicated to victims of the regime

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit House of Leaves

Cheapest way inTirana Hidden Treasures Sightseeing Tour4.9★ · 73 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$17 per personSee dates →Most bookedTirana Walking Tour: History, Culture & Hidden Local Gems4.9★ · 787 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$17 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleHighlights of Tirana, Promenade Walk with a Local Friend5★ · 11 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$17 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Allow at least 1.5 hours to fully absorb the exhibits.
• Photography is allowed in most areas, but no flash.
• Audio guides are available in multiple languages.
• Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be standing and walking.

A bit of history

The building was originally a medical clinic before being taken over by the Sigurimi in the 1940s. It served as the headquarters for surveillance operations until the fall of communism in 1991. The museum opened in 2017 to preserve this dark chapter.