REJA - The Cloud, Tirana
Monument in Tirana
REJA, known in English as The Cloud, is one of Tirana's most distinctive modern landmarks - a delicate lattice of white steel rods that seems to hover above the ground like a suspended dream. Created by the world-renowned Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, the installation is part sculpture, part public space, and part performance stage. Located in front of the National Art Gallery, it has become one of the best places to visit in Tirana for art lovers and photographers alike. Its airy, transparent design invites both contemplation and play, perfectly capturing the city's creative energy and post-communist transformation.
Unlike traditional monuments, REJA is meant to be experienced rather than simply observed. Visitors are encouraged to climb, sit, and move through the structure, blurring the line between viewer and participant. During Tirana's warm summer evenings, it transforms into a lively venue for music, film screenings, and open-air performances. The installation has quickly become a highlight of any walking tour of Tirana, symbolizing the city's embrace of contemporary art and open cultural expression.
History and Significance of REJA (The Cloud)
REJA was designed by Sou Fujimoto, one of Japan's leading contemporary architects, and first unveiled at London's Serpentine Gallery in 2013 before finding its permanent home in Tirana. The installation was brought to Albania as part of a cultural initiative to promote dialogue between art, architecture, and public life. Its relocation to the National Art Gallery grounds symbolizes Tirana's growing commitment to creativity and openness after decades of isolation under communist rule.
The structure’s name - REJA, meaning “cloud” in Albanian - reflects its light, ethereal quality and its purpose as a space of freedom. Built from slender white steel rods, the sculpture represents both structure and void, form and transparency. It embodies Fujimoto's architectural philosophy of “primitive future,” where nature and human activity coexist in harmony. In the context of Tirana, REJA stands as a metaphor for Albania's evolving identity - open, dynamic, and interconnected with the wider world.
Things to See and Do at REJA (The Cloud)
Visiting REJA is as much about interaction as observation. You can walk beneath its lattice-like framework to appreciate its delicate geometry, or climb its steps to experience the city from within the sculpture itself. The structure is surrounded by benches and grassy areas that make it a perfect spot to rest while exploring Tirana’s cultural district.
In the evenings, the installation often hosts events ranging from live jazz performances to experimental theater, film nights, and public art discussions. The surrounding open-air space has become a creative gathering point for locals and visitors alike. Don't forget to look toward the nearby National Art Gallery and Rruga Murat Toptani - both offering complementary artistic and architectural experiences.
How to Get There
REJA is located in the city center, directly in front of the National Art Gallery on Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit. It's just a few minutes' walk from Skanderbeg Square, Rinia Park, and the Pyramid of Tirana, making it easy to include in any city walking route. If you are looking to rent a car in Albania I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Limited parking is available along nearby streets, though walking is the best way to enjoy the area. Public buses and taxis frequently pass along the main boulevard.
Practical Tips on Visiting REJA (The Cloud)
- Best time to visit REJA: Late afternoon or evening when the structure is softly illuminated.
- Entrance fee in Euros: Free.
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours; events held seasonally.
- Official website: None (check National Art Gallery or Tirana Municipality pages for events).
- How long to spend: 20-30 minutes for photos and exploration; longer during performances.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible via paved walkways.
- Facilities: Seating areas nearby; cafés within walking distance.
- Photography tip: Capture it at dusk when the structure glows against the fading light.
- Guided tours: Included in some Tirana architecture and cultural walking tours.
- Nearby food options: Cafés and restaurants along Rruga Murat Toptani and Rinia Park.
Is REJA (The Cloud) Worth Visiting?
Yes - REJA is one of the top attractions in Tirana and a beautiful symbol of the city's artistic renewal. It's more than an installation; it's a living space that invites participation, creativity, and connection. Whether you come to relax in its shade, photograph its stunning lines, or enjoy a live event beneath its structure, REJA offers a memorable glimpse into Tirana's modern cultural spirit.
What Other Travellers Say...
The Cloud" in Tirana sits in front of the National Gallery of Arts as a large, airy modern art installation formed from a network of white steel rods that creates a semi-transparent, cloud-like canopy; visitors can walk beneath it, sit around or even climb partway into the structure, and it serves as a social spot and event space that draws locals and tourists for photos and performances, though some visitors note it needs better cleaning and maintenance while others find it a striking, worth‑seeing addition to the city.
FAQs for Visiting REJA (The Cloud)
Nearby Attractions to REJA (The Cloud)
- National Art Gallery - Featuring Albanian art from the 19th century to the modern era.
- Rruga Murat Toptani - A scenic pedestrian street lined with trees, cafés, and cultural sites.
- Pyramid of Tirana - A striking modern landmark being transformed into a creative center.
- Rinia Park - A green escape in the city center, perfect for a relaxing walk.
- Skanderbeg Square - Tirana's main square, surrounded by its most iconic buildings and museums.
The REJA - The Cloud appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Tirana!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
- National Art Gallery (0.1) km
Gallery - Rruga Murat Toptani (0.1) km
Street - Rinia Park (0.1) km
Park - Bunk'Art 2 (0.2) km
Historic Building and Museum - Fortress of Justinian (0.2) km
Ruins - Clock Tower In Tirana (0.2) km
Tower - Et’hem Bey Mosque (0.3) km
Mosque - Skanderbeg Square (0.3) km
Square - Kapllan Pasha's Tomb (0.3) km
Monument - House of Leaves (0.3) km
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