Apostolos Kouroupakis
The much-awaited renovation of the Byzantine Museum of the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation, which first opened its doors in 1982, is finally complete. After five years of careful work, the museum will open its doors to the public on March 18. A whole new experience awaits visitors, thanks to significant changes that aim to breathe new life into the museum's layout and exhibits. A few days before its official reopening, we had the privilege of visiting the revamped museum, with Dr. Yannis Eliades, the director, guiding us through the stunning transformation.
Dr. Eliades was eager to explain the effort that went into this renovation. “It wasn’t something done overnight. There was a lot of preparation,” he told us. The museum’s revitalization was an effort that took planning, study, and a great deal of commitment. He emphasized, “When the contractors came in, we had a clear picture of how we wanted to develop our collections. In just 10 months, everything was ready—thanks to all the hard work we did beforehand. We are all very proud of what we’ve achieved.”
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A Tribute to Repatriated Treasures and Cyprus' Cultural History
One of the most exciting features of the renovated museum is the display of repatriated treasures—artifacts that were once lost but are now back in Cyprus after being taken during the Turkish invasion of 1974. Dr. Eliades highlighted this carefully curated exhibit, explaining how these objects are not only historical artifacts but symbols of the island's painful cultural trauma. The repatriation of these items has deep personal meaning for Cypriots, and the museum's careful presentation helps visitors understand the emotional journey behind their return.
Among the highlights of this collection is the reassembled mosaics of Panagia Kanakaria, which have been painstakingly reconstructed. "At last, we’ve managed to bring together the fragments of Panagia Kanakaria," Dr. Eliades said with evident pride. An arch has been created where all the repatriated pieces are displayed, while the ones still missing are also noted, helping tell the full story of this significant artifact’s journey.
Dr. Eliades also spoke about the suitcase of the infamous antiquities thief Dikmen, who was responsible for making fake mosaics. His suitcase is part of the exhibit, showcasing the disturbing methods used by criminals to exploit Cyprus’ treasures. However, the main purpose of this display is not just to show the beauty of the mosaics but to educate visitors on how the repatriated works found their way back home after being stolen and sold illegally.
Chronological Displays and a New Layout
The museum’s reimagined layout takes visitors on a journey through the history of Byzantine art in Cyprus, starting from the 4th century all the way to the early 18th century. Dr. Eliades explained that the exhibits are now arranged in chronological order, allowing visitors to experience the evolution of Cyprus' art and culture in a more organized and immersive way.
“The visitor now has a complete and unified picture of Cyprus' artistic production over nearly fourteen centuries," Dr. Eliades explained. "Each historical period is presented in a different color, making it easier for visitors to see how art evolved over time.” Extensive information is available in both Greek and English, giving visitors the context they need to fully appreciate each piece.
A major focus of the renovations is the museum’s effort to highlight pieces that were previously hidden or not as well represented. Dr. Eliades mentioned that the renovation allowed for many new pieces to be added to the display. Some of these are loans from the Department of Antiquities and complement the museum's existing collection, creating a dynamic dialogue between the old and the new.
The exhibits are now arranged in chronological order, spanning from the 4th century to the early 18th century.
Repatriated Artifacts: A Window Into Cyprus' Cultural Trauma
The museum's repatriated pieces are accompanied by detailed information about their journey from being stolen to being brought back to Cyprus. Special analogs provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the cultural trauma left behind by the Turkish invasion of 1974. These exhibits help explain how Cyprus lost these important cultural treasures and the immense effort it took to recover them.
One of the most prominent examples is the restoration of the mosaics of Kanakaria and the hagiographies from the Monastery of Christ Antiphonitis. These restorations were made possible by financial support from the Swiss government as part of a collaborative project involving the Cyprus Department of Antiquities, the Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens, and several other institutions. Dr. Eliades expressed his gratitude for the cooperation that made the restoration possible, stating that these efforts are helping to preserve Cyprus’ cultural heritage for future generations.
The presentation of the objects returned to Cyprus is done in a compelling way, allowing visitors to grasp the cultural trauma caused by the Turkish invasion of the summer of 1974. The photo showcases fragments from the fresco compositions of the Monastery of Antiphonitis, including the Root of Jesse and the Second Coming.
Digital Innovation Enhances the Museum Experience
The renovated museum has embraced the digital age, adding new technologies to enhance the visitor experience. Many of the exhibits are now digitized, with QR codes that visitors can scan to see the objects in 3D. The museum also features touch screens that allow visitors to explore digital maps, videos, and 3D images of monuments. Additionally, there is a virtual reality and hologram station, bringing the history of Byzantine art to life in a way that engages all the senses.
Dr. Yiannis Eliadis on the touch map of ecclesiastical monuments at the renovated Byzantine Museum.
A Bright Future Ahead
With its impressive new look, the renovated Byzantine Museum of the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation offers a modern, engaging experience that brings Cyprus' rich cultural history to the forefront. Dr. Eliades expressed his pride in the museum's progress, stating, “The vision of the Archbishops of Cyprus was to create a museum that would showcase Byzantine art in Cyprus, and we’ve done just that.”
The museum is now open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and it promises to offer an experience that’s not just about viewing artifacts but also about connecting with Cyprus’ historical journey.
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
