In a solemn and prestigious ceremony attended by institutional representatives and distinguished figures, the Mother Teresa Museum was officially inaugurated today in Prizren. This significant event coincided with the 17th anniversary of Kosovo’s Independence, adding special meaning to the occasion.
Dedicated to the life and work of the Albanian saint, the museum houses documents and photographs that highlight Mother Teresa’s unwavering commitment to humanity. As a cultural institution, it aspires to be a center of inspiration and reflection for future generations.
“The inauguration of the Mother Teresa Museum strengthens the cultural and historical identity of Prizren, establishing it as a significant point of interest for researchers, tourists, and admirers of her remarkable figure,” stated the official announcement from the Municipality of Prizren.
The opening ceremony was attended by local and central institutional representatives, religious authorities, and civil society activists.
According to the Municipality of Prizren, the museum is dedicated to showcasing the life and humanitarian mission of Mother Teresa. It includes a collection of documents and photographs that reflect her tireless devotion to serving the less fortunate. Municipality officials emphasized that the inauguration of this museum enhances Prizren’s cultural and historical significance, making it a focal point for scholars, visitors, and admirers of her legacy.
“The museum enriches Prizren’s tourism offerings, making it a multi-dimensional asset,” stated Shaqir Totaj, the Mayor of Prizren. Meanwhile, Nora Arapi-Krasniqi from the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports (MKRS) emphasized that the museum aims to preserve and promote Mother Teresa’s humanitarian spirit.
“The museum helps to understand her great mission and commitment to establishing sustainable institutions in service of the poorest. Besides its permanent exhibition, the museum will host an annual artistic program and educational activities for children, transforming into a reference space for the many visitors to Prizren and Kosovo,” she declared.
On the other hand, Sali Shoshi from CHwB Kosovo highlighted that the museum’s operationalization is the result of years of dedicated work, recently finalized through collaboration between the CHwB foundation, the Municipality of Prizren, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports.
The exhibition dedicated to Mother Teresa’s life and work was initially opened on September 5, 2022, marking the 25th anniversary of her passing, with the participation of state leaders.
The museum’s construction has a long history, as the project was contracted by MKRS in 2010, with official reports indicating its completion in 2012. However, it was not until mid-2014 that technical approval for the facility was granted. Despite these developments, the museum remained non-functional until the 17th anniversary of Kosovo’s Independence.
Mother Teresa has become a global symbol of humanitarianism due to her lifelong dedication to serving the sick and the poor. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and was later canonized by the Vatican. She passed away on September 5, 1997, in Kolkata, India.
The Mother Teresa Museum is located near the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Prizren, in the neighborhood where the ancestors of Gonxhe Bojaxhiu (Mother Teresa) once lived.