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.”
Vasiliki KassianidouDeputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus
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.
The opening of the archaeological exhibition entitled “Cyprus and Italy: shared cultural Identities at the Dawn of History” was held this Friday 27 February at Castel Sant’Angelo, Rome. The exhibition falls within the Cultural Programme of the 2026 Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The exhibition presents, by means of 120 rare archaeological objects, Cyprus, Sicily and Sardinia’s timeless common heritage. The exhibition was inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, together with the President of the Republic of Italy, Mr Sergio Mattarella.
The inauguration was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Constantinos Kombos, and the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic Cyprus, Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou, and the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Italy, Mr Alessandro Giuli, as well as officials from the Italian Government, the Italian Parliament and the European Commission and the Mayor of Rome, Mr Roberto Gualtieri.
Archaeological exhibition Cyprus and Italy Shared Cultural Identities at the Dawn of History
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Constantinos Kombos
Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Vasiliki Kassianidou
The exhibition, curated by Dr Anastasia Christophilopoulou, presents multidimensional stories of the cultural development of Cyprus and the islands of Italy over seven millennia of Mediterranean history, and will be open to the public until 30 June 2026. Of particular interest among the exhibits is an impressive ox-hide ingot from Serra Ilixi in Sardinia, made of copper from Cyprus, which travelled over two thousand kilometres to arrive in Sardinia and dates back to around 1500-1200 B.C. This exhibit demonstrates the extent of trade and technological exchange in the Bronze Age, highlighting the interconnection of Mediterranean societies and especially of Cyprus with Italy.
The joint organisation of the exhibition, by the Deputy Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic Italy, and Italy’s long-standing archaeological missions in Cyprus, demonstrate Cyprus’ and Italy’s common endeavours to preserve cultural heritage and furthermore, constitute another joint effort to strengthen the already strong ties between Cyprus and Italy, especially in the fields of security, defence, energy, trade, tourism and investment.
Beyond the common heritage, the exhibition reflects core EU values and the Cyprus Presidency’s cultural vision: to strengthen the Union’s internal ties by using culture as a key catalyst for promoting cohesion within the EU and by recognising that culture is the most important expression of our common European identity and the common thread that binds member states together.
One of the most important museums in the world, the Louvre Museum in Paris, hosts as of 10 February 2026 the archaeological exhibition entitled “Cyprus at the Louvre”, as part of the Cultural Programme of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026.
The exhibition was inaugurated on Wednesday, 10 February 2026, by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, in the presence of the First Lady of France Brigitte 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, and the Director-General of UNESCO, Dr Khaled El-Enany, as well as by prominent figures from France’s cultural sector.
The exhibition, which will be open to visitors until 22 June 2026, is the outcome of the cooperation between the Deputy Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus, the University of Cyprus, the CYENS Centre of Excellence and the Louvre Museum, which have joined forces and have temporarily transferred a number of Cypriot antiquities from the Department of Antiquities of the Republic of Cyprus to Paris, such as picrolite figurines and terracotta votive statues. In halls 300 and 316 of the Museum, the Cypriot antiquities of the permanent collection are juxtaposed in a creative manner with 16 selected ancient objects that travelled all the way from Cyprus.
At the same time, the exhibition is accompanied by new, scientifically documented information material, through which the antiquities are integrated into their historical and cultural context, as this has emerged from recent archaeological research. The long and pioneering contribution of the French archaeological missions in Cyprus has a special place in the narrative of the exhibition.
The visitor experience is further enriched with innovative digital applications – 3D representations, interactive screens and augmented reality experiences – which shed light on aspects of ancient life, writing and language, worship practices, as well as exchange networks, medical knowledge and the intangible cultural heritage of Cyprus, transforming knowledge into a personal experience.
Poems by renowned Greek poets, who were inspired by the island, such as Giorgos Seferis, as well as traditional Cypriot songs, are incorporated into the exhibition through digital technology, bridging the past with the present and inviting the audience not only to observe, but to “listen” and experience the cultural memory, and to realise its deep roots.
It is noted that during the exhibition, public lectures will be held, aiming to disseminate the results of archaeological research in Cyprus to the public internationally.
The exhibition is accompanied by a trilingual edition, featuring contributions from 37 archaeologists, historians and scientists from diverse fields, who provide insights on multiple aspects of the exhibition, Cypriot archaeology and the Cypriot collection of the Louvre.
The exhibition provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the ancient culture of the island on a European and international level.
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.
The photographic exhibition “Nicosia International Airport” by Andros Efstathiou was inaugurated on 27 January 2026 at the European Parliament, in Brussels. It was presented alongside artworks from the Parliament’s permanent collection, “Growing Self” by Maria Leonidou.
This is the third event to be held in Brussels as part of the Cultural Programme of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026.
The exhibition, organised by the European Parliament in collaboration with the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, was inaugurated by the Quaestor of the European Parliament, Mr Marc Angel, and the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou, at the Altiero Spinelli building of the European Parliament.
Through this photographic exhibition, Andros Efstathiou transforms the abandoned airport into a symbol of memory, endurance and hope, highlighting the power of collective historical consciousness. Adopting a theatrical approach, the photographs revive the last commercial flight before the Turkish invasion of 1974, linking material reality with collective memory and inviting viewers to engage in reflection and remembrance.
From memory to a shared future of solidarity and culture
Drawing inspiration from the past, Maria Leonidou’s “Growing Self” brings together technology and imagination and contemporary identity to create a new perspective for the future, in which art functions as an act of regeneration and transformation.
“The Cyprus Presidency seeks to strengthen the bonds of the Union by using culture as an essential tool for political cohesion, as it is the most important expression of our common European identity and the thread that holds member states together.”
Vasiliki KassianidouDeputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus
In her address, Dr Kassianidou noted that the two exhibitions engage in dialogue with each other and with Europe itself, reflecting the journey from memory to displacement and from the past to the collective shaping of our shared future. The Cyprus Presidency aims to continue this dialogue by strengthening cultural cooperation and striving to protect cultural heritage. This confirms that Europe continues to draw strength from memory as it moves towards a shared future based on solidarity, democracy and culture.
The inauguration was honoured by the presence of the Cypriot Members of the European Parliament, Mr Loucas Fourlas, Mr Michalis Hadjipantela, Mr Costas Mavrides and Mr Fidias Panayiotou, as well as the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Alexis Vafeades, the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Marilena Raouna, the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Nicholas A. Ioannides, the Deputy Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Kostas Koumis, and many others.
Andros Efstathiou’s exhibition discreetly conveys the tragic events of the illegal Turkish invasion of 1974 and its consequences at the heart of the European Parliament in Brussels.
In the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026, the exhibition of the artistic intervention “WEATHER”, designed and curated by the internationally acclaimed Cypriot designer Michael Anastassiades, has been officially inaugurated.
The intervention features furniture, lighting and artworks that will decorate the Justus Lipsius and Europa buildings, in Brussels, throughout the six-month term of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026. This will transform the heart of the EU Council into a space for cultural exchange, reflection and artistic expression.
The artistic intervention “WEATHER” is part of the Cultural Programme of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026.
The exhibition was inaugurated by the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou, and the Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union, Ms Thérèse Blanchet. The rationale behind the selection of the works was presented by the exhibition’s curator and designer, Michael Anastassiades.
In her address, Dr Kassianidou underlined that assuming the Cyprus Presidency is a historic moment for the Republic of Cyprus and an opportunity to promote the Cypriot creativity within the two emblematic buildings at the core of the Council. In addition, she stressed the pivotal role of culture as a unifying element of the European identity and as a means of fostering dialogue, cooperation and solidarity.
Reframing space as a field of dialogue, transition and collective memory
Michael Anastassiades developed a comprehensive proposal that goes beyond simply selecting artworks. Instead, he focuses on the overall visitor experience within a strictly institutional environment of high symbolic value. Guided by subtlety, abstraction and precision, the intervention offers motivation for observation, thought and dialogue with respect to the space and the multiple interpretations that art can inspire.
The focal point of “WEATHER’’ is not merely a reference to climate, but to the “weather” as a living system through which time, memory, culture and the exchange of ideas constantly pass. The notion of “weather” is also connected to the idea of a critical “opening” and a critical “momentum” that allows for new connections and one common observation: As Cyprus “arrives” in Brussels, Europe is invited to “look back” at the island and recognise it as a bridge between Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
As the project curator explained when presenting the rationale of his proposal, the spatial narrative begins with an illuminated passageway – an “avenue” – which guides visitors from the public realm into the interior space. This transition creates a symbolic bridge between the “outside” and the “inside”, and between different geographical areas and climate conditions. It introduces the theme of “WEATHER” as a source of inspiration: “weather” is not merely a meteorological phenomenon, but a living field through which time, memory and cultural exchange flow.
A broad array of artistic talents take part in the intervention. Specifically, the participants include: Stelios Kallinikos, Joanna Louca, Marietta Mavrokordatou, Polys Peslikas together with Michael Anastassiades Studio. The accompanying publication was produced in collaboration with Clio Hadjigeorgiou (graphic design) and Penelope Ioannou (text/editing).
