The Cyprus Museum has presented its upgraded permanent exhibition during an event held as part of Cyprus’ 2026 Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The presentation was followed by guided tours for the public. The occasion also marked the 90th anniversary of the Department of Antiquities.
Deputy Minister of Culture Vasiliki Kassianidou said the upgrade modernises the museum’s presentation while respecting the historic character of the building and its earlier displays. She said the new approach uses scientific narrative and contemporary museological practices to offer visitors a more direct and immersive experience, allowing archaeological finds to be viewed as “living testimonies” of Cyprus’ long history.
Kassianidou noted that the improvements were made in anticipation of the thousands of visitors expected during Cyprus’ EU Presidency. She added that the collection will move in two years to the new state‑of‑the‑art Cyprus Archaeological Museum.
The exhibition includes significant recent finds as well as repatriated antiquities, among them a copper oxhide ingot exported from Cyprus in 1936 and returned in 2024 after Harvey Mudd College donated its collection to the University of Cyprus.
The deputy minister said the goal is to ensure a strong presence of Cyprus’ archaeological and cultural heritage in contemporary life, with museums serving as open spaces of knowledge and reflection for both residents and visitors. She recalled that the Cyprus Museum has long been a place where archaeological heritage and modern creativity intersect.
As the country’s oldest and most important archaeological museum, the Cyprus Museum has now enhanced its permanent exhibition with new material, improved lighting, updated display cases and additional interpretive content, significantly enriching the visitor experience.