What is the Cyprus Museum?

It is the oldest and largest archaeological institution in Cyprus, situated in central Nicosia.

Why was the institution founded?

Local community leaders requested its creation to prevent illicit excavations and stop antiquities from being smuggled abroad.

Who designed the main building?

The premises were designed by architect N. Balanos and constructed under the supervision of curator George H. Everett Jeffery.

How was the construction financed?

The project was funded through public expenditure and private subscriptions.

What alternative name is used for the site?

The institution is also known as the Cyprus Archaeological Museum.

Nicosie · Chypre

musée de Chypre: ce qu’il y a autour, comment y aller et quand venir · 2026

Long-term researchers working near Museum Street divide their time between the central galleries and municipal archives.

Carte des lieux

Autour6

Taux de change0,89 €pour 1 $EUR — la monnaie du paysau 2 nov. 2026

À moins de deux heures

Lakatámia≈ 30 min aéroport international de Nicosie≈ 30 min

À propos du lieu

The Cyprus Museum preserves the primary archaeological heritage of the island within central Nicosia.

The institution began during British rule when Christian and Muslim delegations united to halt illicit excavations across the island. Heavy looting and overseas smuggling had stripped major sites, sending collections to foreign institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Local petitioning established permanent municipal custody to keep regional antiquities from disappearing into private international hands.

Initial displays moved from administrative offices to premises on Victoria Street inside the medieval walls before settling into the purpose-built Museum Street complex. Architect N. Balanos and curator George Jeffery designed and supervised the construction. Later expansions added research storerooms, gallery wings, and offices that produce the official annual archaeological reports.

Associations

Luigi Palma di CesnolaSmuggled island antiquities abroad, causing permanent loss of historic material.
Metropolitan Museum of ArtDisplays surviving collections removed from the island before museum protections.
Victoria StreetHoused the earliest dedicated museum premises within the medieval city walls.
N. BalanosDesigned the purpose-built complex on Museum Street for the antiquities collection.
George JefferySupervised the construction of the permanent galleries while serving as curator.

Faits

Christian and Muslim religious leaders submitted a joint petition to the British administration to establish the museum.
The current building was designed by architect N. Balanos of the Archaeological Society of Athens.
The museum operates on Museum Street in central Nicosia as the oldest archaeological museum on the island.
Curator George Jeffery supervised construction of the permanent gallery building.

Mis à jour le 21 septembre 2026Source : Wikipedia

musée de Chypre: ce qu’il y a autour, comment y aller et quand venir · 2026

Aux alentours6

The Cyprus Museum preserves the primary archaeological heritage of the island within central Nicosia.

Arriver et se loger

Avis Google

Destinations similaires à proximité