The majority of the museum's 3204 objects came from the adjacent ancient site of Dyrrhachium and include a sizable collection from the Ancient Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman eras. Roman funeral steles, stone sarcophagi, and a collection of tiny busts of Venus, which attest to the time when Durres was a center of goddess worship, are among the most notable.

In Albanian, the old city of Durrs is known as Kalaja e Durrsit or Durrs Castle. The late fifth-century city walls that encompass it were later rebuilt and strengthened during the Middle Ages and the early Modern era. The fortress was constructed by the Durr's-born Byzantine Emperor Anastasius I (r.491–518) (ancient Dyrrhachium). Anastasius built one of the most fortified towns on the Adriatic during the period. An earthquake in 1273 completely destroyed the old walls, which required substantial repairs.

The oval arena is underground and is 120 meters long and 20 meters high. Under the stands, there were chambers for gladiators and animals that have been survived.

The Royal Villa of Durrs, also known as Zog's Villa of Durrs or Vila mbreterore e Durrsit in Albanian, is a historic structure. It served as King Zog's summer home. During the time of the Monarchy, the Albanian Royal family used it as their summer residence. It is still regarded as a representation of the Monarchy in the City.