Τhe cultural heritage and history of the Republic of Cyprus is hosted until 14 June 2026 at the National Library of France, in Paris, as part of the Cultural Programme of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The exhibition entitled “Chypre à la Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF)” was inaugurated on Wednesday, 10 February 2026, by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, during an official ceremony held in the presence of the President of the Republic of France, Mr Emmanuel Macron, the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Marilena Raouna, and the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou.
The ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of France, Ms Rachida Dati, the Minister of Culture of the Hellenic Republic, Dr Lina Mendoni, and the Director-General of UNESCO, Dr Khaled El-Enany, as well as by prominent figures from France’s cultural sector.
This is a unique occasion, as it is the first time that BnF is organising an exhibition in collaboration with an external body and hosts exhibits provided by an external partner. The overall exhibition is a high-level cultural event. At the same time, it serves as a bridge of dialogue between Cyprus and France, as a result of the excellent cooperation and bilateral relations developed between the Deputy Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus and the BnF.
The exhibition, co-organised by the Cultural Foundation of the Bank of Cyprus and the BnF – curated by Dr Gilles Pécout on behalf of the BnF and Dr Yiannis Toumazis and Dr Christodoulos Hadjichristodoulou on behalf of the Cultural Foundation of the Bank of Cyprus – aims to highlight the long history, cultural richness and timeless European dimension of Cyprus. Precious antiquities, manuscripts, drawings, engravings and archival documents narrate the island’s journey from antiquity and Byzantine heritage to Frankish, Venetian and modern times, illuminating the ties with France and Europe.
A special place is held by the works of Louis François Cassas, as well as the post-Byzantine icons of the 17th-18th century that demonstrate the importance of the Orthodox Byzantine tradition on the island. The Cypriot collections of the BnF – the largest collection of manuscripts in the world, along with coins, maps, archaeological artefacts and works of art of the 19th century – highlight the continuity and brilliance of Cyprus’ cultural identity.
