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Cyprus Museum

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Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)

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The Cyprus Museum in Nicosia, established in 1882, is the island's largest and oldest archaeological museum, housing the world's most comprehensive collection of Cypriot antiquities. The current primary building was constructed during the British colonial era as a memorial to Queen Victoria and has undergone several expansions to accommodate the vast number of finds from ongoing excavations. The exhibits span a massive timeline from the Neolithic Age to the early Byzantine period, providing an unparalleled overview of the development of human civilization on Cyprus. Highlights of the collection include the thousands of unique terracotta figurines from Ayia Irini, the famous marble statue of Aphrodite of Soli, and a magnificent array of Bronze Age tools and jewellery. Its chronologically arranged galleries guide visitors through the complex history of Cyprus as a cultural crossroads in the Eastern Mediterranean. The museum remains a cornerstone of the island's cultural identity and a major centre for research.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141416192327303028242016
Rain mm7242231392116153071

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The museum is a public museum that is usually open to visitors, with numerous exhibition halls. You can visit the extensive archaeological collections from all over Cyprus.
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Typical hours
The museum is usually open Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays. Typical opening hours are from 9:00 to 17:00, with a lunch break on some days.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas without flash, but may be restricted in some special exhibitions. The best shot is in the central atrium, where natural light illuminates the exhibits.
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Time needed
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for a thorough visit of the main collections. If you also want to see the special exhibitions, budget 3 hours.
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Combine with
Combine the museum visit with a walk through the old town of Nicosia or a visit to nearby Ledra Street. Both are just a few minutes' walk away.
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Getting there
The museum is located in central Nicosia, near Eleftheria Square, and is easily reached on foot. Parking is available on surrounding streets and in public parking garages.
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Insider tip
Visit the museum in the morning to avoid the crowds. Take time for the statue from the Temple of Aphrodite, a highlight of the collection.

Geography

Coordinates
35.17170, 33.35530

Facts

  • The museum was originally established to curb the illicit smuggling of antiquities.
  • The current neoclassical building was completed in the year 1908.
  • It houses the most extensive collection of Cypriot pottery in the world.
  • The famous statue of Aphrodite of Soli dates back to the 1st century BC.
  • The Ayia Irini collection features approximately 2,000 terracotta figurines.
  • Plans for a new, larger museum building are currently under development.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Paphos GatePaphos Gate<1 km · NEExplore →
Agios Nikolaos ChurchAgios Nikolaos Church2 km · NExplore →
StrovolosStrovolos2 km · SWExplore →
Pedieos ValleyPedieos Valley2 km · NWExplore →
KaimakliKaimakli4 km · NExplore →
Charalambides Christis DairyCharalambides Christis Dairy4 km · SWExplore →
Papafilippou Luna ParkPapafilippou Luna Park5 km · SWExplore →
Extreme ParkExtreme Park5 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cyprus Museum (10)

Cyprus Museum🏛 museum

The Cyprus Museum is the oldest and largest archaeological museum in Cyprus, holding the world's most extensive collection of Cypriot antiquities.

🕒 Tu-Fr 08:00-18:00; Sa 09:00-17:00; Su 10:00-13:00; We[-1] 08♿🆓

Nicosia Municipal Theater

The Nicosia Municipal Theater opened in the 1960s and closed in 2008.

New Cyprus Museum🏛 museum

The New Cyprus Museum is a museum in Nicosia focusing on the history and culture of Cyprus.

Nicosia Municipal Gardens🌳 park

The Nicosia Municipal Gardens are a park in Nicosia, Cyprus.

Markos Drakos Statue

The Markos Drakos Statue is a monument in Nicosia honoring the Cypriot resistance fighter.

Paphos Gate

Paphos Gate is a city gate in Nicosia, part of the Venetian fortifications.

Pallas cinema-theatre

Pallas cinema-theatre is a theatre in Nicosia, also used as a cinema.

Casteliotissa Medieval Hall

Casteliotissa Medieval Hall is a medieval hall in Nicosia, originally a church.

Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum🏛 museum

The Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum was founded in 1980 by Andreas Nicolaou, featuring historic motorcycles from the island.

Our Lady Of Graces

Our Lady Of Graces is a cathedral in the Republic of Cyprus, an important place of worship.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important exhibit?
The collection of terracotta sculptures from Ayia Irini and the statue of Aphrodite of Soli.
Where is the museum located?
It is located in the center of Nicosia, right next to the municipal park.
Is photography allowed in the museum?
Photography without flash is usually allowed for private purposes.
How much time should you plan for the visit?
You should plan at least 1.5 to 2 hours to see the 14 rooms.
Is the museum air-conditioned?
Yes, the museum is air-conditioned, making it pleasant to visit during the hot summer.
Cyprus Museum: where is it located?
Cyprus Museum is located in Cyprus.
Cyprus Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cyprus Museum, Nicosia Municipal Theater, New Cyprus Museum.
Cyprus Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.
Cyprus Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Cyprus Museum in Nicosia, established in 1882, is the island's largest and oldest archaeological museum, housing the world's most comprehensive collection of Cypriot antiquities.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Nicosia — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Nicosia
The capital of Cyprus, known for its divided old town and Venetian walls.
Kaimakli — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Kaimakli
Kaimakli is a large, historic suburb in the northeast of Nicosia, renowned for its traditional architecture and its location near the UN …
Strovolos — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Strovolos
Strovolos is a large municipality in the Nicosia District.
Latsia — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Latsia
Latsia is a suburb in the southeast of Nicosia.
Agioi Trimithias — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Agioi Trimithias
Agioi Trimithias is a municipality west of Nicosia.
Kyrenia — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Kyrenia
A picturesque city on the north coast with a horseshoe-shaped harbor and a castle.
🗺️
Trapeza
Beautiful Cypriot destination famous for its pristine sea turtle nesting beaches.
Agios Georgios — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Agios Georgios
A picturesque coastal village in Northern Cyprus, famous for its tranquil bay and proximity to the historic town of Kyrenia.
Elia — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Elia
Elia is a tranquil coastal village in Cyprus, known for its pristine sandy beaches and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

History & landmarks

Ledra Street — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Ledra Street
The main shopping street in the old town of Nicosia.
Paphos Gate — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Paphos Gate
One of the three historical city gates in the Venetian fortifications of the capital Nicosia.
La Cava Castle — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
La Cava Castle
A former medieval castle near Nicosia.
Bellapais — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Bellapais
A magnificent 13th-century Gothic abbey in the Kyrenia mountains, famous for its architecture and the 'Tree of Idleness'.
Buffavento Castle — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Buffavento Castle
A high-altitude medieval castle in the Pentadaktylos range.

Nature

Pentadaktylos Peak — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Pentadaktylos Peak
Pentadaktylos means 'five fingers'.

More places

Kykkos Monastery — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Kykkos Monastery
The wealthiest and best-known monastery in Cyprus, located in the Troodos Mountains.
Agios Nikolaos Church — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Agios Nikolaos Church
A traditional church in one of the historically characterized quarters of Nicosia.
Pedieos Valley — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Pedieos Valley
The Pedieos Valley is the catchment area of the Pedieos River.
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Charalambides Christis Dairy
The largest dairy producer in Cyprus, with a modern factory in Nicosia processing milk, yogurt, and cheese.
Papafilippou Luna Park — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Papafilippou Luna Park
A long-standing amusement park in Engomi, Nicosia, with classic rides, an ice rink, and bowling.
Extreme Park — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Extreme Park
A diverse amusement park in Nicosia with indoor and outdoor playgrounds, rides and a 5D cinema.
Sopharma Trading Cyprus — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
Sopharma Trading Cyprus
A major distributor of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, with large logistics centers.
WOW Action Park — Cyprus Museum (Cyprus)
WOW Action Park
A large indoor and outdoor playground with trampolines, climbing walls, and soft play areas.