The Museum of Shkodra Lake & Visitor Centre is located on top of the existing concrete pier of Shiroka's shore. The building, named "The Nest", is designed to become a new landmark in the landscape and the iconic image of the new recreational, cultural and ecological network of the Shkodra Lake.
Surrounded by water, the museum is reached by a connection bridge built on top of an existing concrete pier that connects Shiroka square with the entrance square of the museum. From there, a helicoidal ramp allows visitors to reach several viewing platforms ending in the panoramic top roof terrace of the building from where visitors will enjoy a privileged 360 degrees view of the lake, Shiroka village and the mountains.
The building works as an attracting point for locals and visitors alike, and hosts two connected parts: the Shkodra Lake Museum that provides information and activities related to the history, culture and ecology of the lake, and the Shkodra Lake Visitor Centre that provides tourist information and rental facilities to explore and discover the lake and its surroundings.
INTERIOR SPACE
The interior space of the museum is divided into three zones:
3.1. A helicoidal space located underneath of the exterior helicoidal ramp that connects the museum square, platforms and roof terrace. This space presents the exhibition about the Shkodra Lake Ecosystem.
3.2. A central vertical space that is limited by the walls of the interior helicoidal ramp. This double height space is illuminated by the natural light filtered through six skylights located in the roof. The central space presents at the ground floor a chronological exhibition that explains the history of Shkodra Lake and in four platforms located at different heights a thematic exhibition that shows four different aspects of the lake culture: Shkodra Lake in the arts, culinary culture, handicrafts and fish culture.
3.3. A series of spaces connected to the exterior platforms and to the interior helicoidal ramp, such as the entrance hall, the multifunctional room, the educational room, the temporary exhibition room and the cafeteria. They have independent accesses from the exterior platforms as well, which allows visitors to use them with a certain degree of autonomy. These spaces can, therefore, be opened when the museum is closed or can be rented for events.
EDUCATIONAL AREA
The Shkodra Lake Museum is a learning destination for children, youth and adults. Its mission is to promote environmental education and research, while simultaneously providing entertainment for visitors of all ages. Educational workshops will be organized for schools and groups with the aim of underlining the importance of respecting the ecosystems, awakening the respect for nature in the younger generations.
The Centre's programme will also work on the engagement of the local community to protect the local environment, developing eco-awareness through competitions and events.
