The exhibition “Sector 2: Nicosia”, which takes a contemporary and experiential approach to the history of the Green Line and highlights the various aspects of the division of Lefkosia, opened on 10 March 2026. It is being hosted at the former Public Tobacco Factory – Hellenic Parliament Library and Printing House in Athens until 24 May 2026.
The inauguration was held by the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr Nikitas Kaklamanis, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Iason Fotilas, the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Greece, Mr Stavros Avgoustides, the Mayor of Athens, Mr Haris Doukas, the Mayor of Lefkosia, Mr Charalambos Prountzos, Ambassadors of foreign diplomatic missions to Greece, as well as officials from Greece and Cyprus and a large number of distinguished guests.
The exhibition, which is being held under the auspices of the Hellenic Parliament, is co-organised by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU for 2026 as part of its cultural programme, in collaboration with the Leventis Municipal Museum of Lefkosia. It offers a contemporary, experiential approach to the history of the Green Line, highlighting the multiple aspects of the division of Lefkosia.
Historical evidence, archival material, everyday objects, works of art and oral testimonies, combined with contemporary artistic interventions and installations, approach the traumatic imprint of division in the urban structure and collective memory of Lefkosia, the last divided capital of Europe.
Addressing the event, the President of the Hellenic Parliament mentioned, among others, that “the Hellenic Parliament, as an institution that embodies the democratic will of the Greek people, welcomes the exhibition not only as a cultural act, but as an act of historical consciousness and solidarity”, underlining that “indissoluble linguistic and cultural ties between Greece and Cyprus are confirmed in the Greek Parliament once again”.
In her address, the Deputy Minister of Culture referred to the theme of the exhibition, the title of which refers to the areas of control defined by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Lefkosia.
“The exhibition “Sector 2: Nicosia” goes beyond the narrow boundaries of Cyprus, highlighting the European reflection around memory, trauma management and the need to build bridges in times of polarisation.”
Dr Kassianidou thanked the Greek Government and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for their continuous support and solidarity shown in practice to Cyprus at a time of intense developments in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region. She also added: “Cyprus remains a safe, stable and fully functioning European country, committed to diplomacy, cooperation and international law. Our economy, our institutions and society continue to operate smoothly, reaffirming Cyprus’ role as a reliable bridge between Europe and the Middle East.
Greece’s support further reinforces this message of stability, cooperation and common European values”. The Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Greece pointed out that Lefkosia is emerging “not only as a geographical place but as a human experience”, underlining that through culture essential “spaces of understanding” are created. He also stressed that Athens is sending the message that “peace is not a given, but a constant choice”, and that the past can become the means “for imagining the future together”.
The exhibition “Sector 2: Nicosia” is also presented in Lefkosia, at the Leventis Municipal Museum of Lefkosia, until 17 June 2026, creating an action of high symbolism between two cities with a long history – two capitals with shared cultural roots.
Bridging dialogue, historical consciousness and European cooperation
The presentation of the exhibition in Greece is of special importance, as it contributes to informing and raising awareness among the Greek public about the historical and social dimensions of the Green Line, highlighting culture as a bridge of dialogue, historical consciousness and European cooperation.
The audience can upgrade its experience by using the autonomous audio tour on the Smartify application during its visit.
Opening days and hours:
March:
Tuesdays–Wednesdays and Fridays (except 19 and 20 March): 10:00–12:00
Saturdays (except 21 March): 10:00–14:00
April:
Tuesdays–Wednesdays and Fridays (except 9 and 10 April): 10:00–12:00
Saturdays (except 11 April): 10:00–14:00
May:
Tuesdays–Wednesdays and Fridays: 10:00–12:00
Saturdays: 10:00–14:00.
