Discover Nicosia’s Cultural Treasures
Nicosia (Lefkosia) offers more than just charming old streets; it is home to numerous museums that are well worth your visit. These institutions not only provide refuge from the intense summer heat but also allow you to immerse yourself in the history, culture, and art of Cyprus.
Uncover the life of influential figures, enjoy an extensive range of Cypriot art spanning millennia, and explore architectural marvels dating back to the 12th century BCE.
See European Art at AG Leventis Gallery
This gallery just outside Nicosia’s Old City displays three significant collections showcasing European paintings and sculptures from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The Paris collection features iconic masters such as Dufy, Signac, Monet, and Renoir. Meanwhile, the Greek collection showcases the works of notable 19th- and 20th-century Greek artists, including Kriezis, Halepas, Tsarouchis, and Tetsis. The highlight of the Cyprus collection is the impressive 17m-long painting, The World of Cyprus, created by renowned Cypriot artist Adamantios Diamantis.
Engage with Archaeological Wonders at the Cyprus Museum
Located just outside the Old City walls, this museum holds the island’s most significant archaeological collection and the largest assemblage of Cypriot antiquities in the world. It spans the Neolithic period, starting from 9000 BCE, through to exquisite ancient artifacts. Highlights include a remarkable Horned God statue from the 12th century BCE and the Royal Tomb excavations from Salamis, which feature a richly decorated bronze pot and an ornate bed frame adorned with ivory and glass.
Experience Modern Art at Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre
Known as NiMAC, this contemporary art museum transforms an old power station into a hub of creative energy. The post-industrial architecture, with its high ceilings and original machinery, provides a unique backdrop for the fervent and evolving exhibits, featuring works from the Dimitris Pierides Museum of Contemporary Art in Athens. Changing exhibitions often tackle pressing political and cultural themes, making a visit particularly relevant.
Explore Cypriot Art History at CVAR
The Centre of Visual Arts & Research presents a fascinating narrative of Cyprus through its collection. With galleries that display artworks from the 1400s to the mid-20th century, the center illustrates the island’s experiences as viewed by visitors over centuries. The collection also includes artifacts from the colonial period, alongside a library with an extensive selection of texts concerning Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean.
Discover Traditional Arts at the Folk Art Museum
This museum features the Republic’s largest collection of folk art and ethnographic items. Celebrated for its serene garden and inviting breezeways, the 15th-century Gothic building was formerly the archbishop’s palace. Inside, you’ll find stunning examples of embroidery, pottery, lacework, and wooden dowry chests. A well-stocked gift shop offers locally crafted goods that reflect Cypriot heritage.
Uncover Nicosia’s History at Leventis Municipal Museum
Visit this neoclassical mansion to uncover Nicosia’s captivating history. The museum features ceramic pieces dating from the Bronze Age to medieval times, alongside historical maps dating back to the 16th century. Exhibits highlight the various stages of Cyprus’s journey toward independence and the subsequent division of the island.
Admire Ancient Treasures at the Museum of George and Nefeli Giabra Pierides Collection
Housed within the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, this collection boasts over 600 ceramic objects from the Bronze Age to the 16th century. Notable highlights include extraordinary Mycenaean pottery that dates back to the 16th to 11th centuries BCE. Additionally, the small Museum of the History of Cypriot Coinage and captivating panels on historical maps provide a deeper understanding of Cyprus’s rich heritage.
Explore Ottoman Elegance at the House of Hatzigeorgakis Kornesios
This historic mansion, once home to the influential Kornesios, allows visitors to step back into the 18th century. With rooms designed in traditional Ottoman style and impressive antiques on display, the house offers insight into the life of one of Cyprus’s most powerful figures. The ground-floor courtyard enhances the grandeur of this cultural landmark.
Peruse Byzantine Art at the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation – Byzantine Museum & Art Gallery
This distinguished collection comprises over 300 icons and frescoes created between the 9th and 19th centuries. The variety of expressions in Byzantine art may surprise you, moving beyond the typical stoic representations. Many artistic treasures are sourced from Northern Cyprus’s churches, following years of legal battles for their return. Don’t miss exquisite pieces such as the frescoed dome from St Eufemianus and remnants of 6th-century mosaics.
