‘A Dictator’s Home – Inside Enver Hoxha’s Vila 31’ – Eastern Perspectives

In his photo book *A Dictator’s Home – Inside Enver Hoxha’s Vila 31*, Funke documents the former residence of the Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha in Tirana – photographed just before the building was renovated and repurposed.

The photographs do not depict official, ceremonial architecture, but rather the private world of Hoxha and his family – kept secret for decades – within the hermetically sealed government quarter of Blloku. They tell of isolation, power and everyday life in one of Europe’s most tightly sealed-off regimes, and offer rare insights into a place that remained hidden from the public for a long time.

Philipp Funke will talk about his photographic work on site, the difficulties in gaining access to the villa, and the historical stories that can still be felt within its walls today.

The evening will be hosted by Philipp Filipovski.

Programme:

• Doors open: from 4.45 pm
• 5.00–6.00 pm: Presentation & Q&A (lecture theatre)
• From 6.00 pm: Chat & networking (Salon / Café)

Free entry, donations welcome!