The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Zoran Ljutkov, recently visited cultural institutions in Bitola to discuss project progress and current challenges.

A significant project involves the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and adaptation of the former “Partizan” cinema building, with a budget of 94 million denars. The contract for this project has been signed, and work is expected to begin by the end of the month.

At the Institute and Museum – Bitola, the restoration of the front facade has been completed for 1.2 million denars. Furthermore, landscaping of the lapidarium is planned with an additional 1.4 million denars. The souvenir shop was renovated using the institution’s own funds.

The capital project for the renovation of the permanent museum exhibition has been allocated 2 million denars. As part of the new design, the memorial room of musician Kiril Makedonski will be included to mark the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Minister Ljutkov emphasized the increased support for archaeological research.

One million denars have been allocated for research at the Gradishte site in Crnobuki. A three-year project for the conservation and restoration of the Yeni Mosque’s interior, budgeted at 12 million denars, will address wall paintings, wooden, metal, marble, gypsum, and faience decorative elements, as well as furniture. Projects for the conservation and restoration of the facades of the memorial houses of Gotse Delchev and Steve Naumov were previously completed with 2 million and 2.5 million denars, respectively.