Nicosia Art Galleries

(Nicosia, Cyprus)

A city for art lovers everywhere, Nicosia is definitely the place to come for some serious Cypriot art appreciation, since it is home to more than its fair share of galleries. The Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre is the most notable of these and boasts an extensive permanent collection of paintings, as well as hosting regular temporary exhibitions and promoting local artists from throughout Cyprus.

Alternatively, the European paintings at Makarios Cultural Foundation are really quite something. This art museum is amongst Nicosia's finest and features pieces from some of the most noteworthy European schools of painting. And if you are simply wishing to purchase a cheap Cypriot painting or print to take home with you, there are plenty of commercial galleries dotted all over the city centre.

Makarios Cultural Foundation / Art Gallery of Makarios III Foundation

Address: Plateia Arhiepiskopou Kyprianou, South Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2243 0008
The Makarios Cultural Foundation is a sizable complex and comprises a total of three main exhibition spaces, each of which has something special and unique to offer visitors. More than 100 oil paintings of European origin are housed within the European Art Gallery, dating from between the 16th century and 19th century, and being predominantly religious in their theme. Also part of the Makarios Cultural Foundation is the nearby Greek Independence War Gallery, where some interesting copper engravings and paintings depicting scenes from the 1821 Greek War of Independence are housed. Finally, the Byzantine Art Museum is the last of these attractions and known for its huge array of 150+ icons, a number of which are more than 1,000 years old.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:30, Saturday - 09:00 to 13:00
Admission: charge

Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre and Library

Address: Apostolou Varnava 19, South Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2243 2577
Situated just to the right of the city's National Struggle Museum and enjoying sponsorship by the Cyprus Electricity Authority (EAC), the Nicosia / Lefkosia Municipal Arts Centre and Library is a winner of the prestigious Europa Nostra award and was founded in 1994 to encourage and promote contemporary Cypriot art in this part of the island. The Municipal Arts Centre is well worth a look and is to be found within the city's old power station, which has been fully renovated after previously standing derelict for more than two decades. The collection of art works here is rather unconventional and includes an impressive permanent display of paintings and sculptures, some of which were created by leading Cypriot and Greek artists of their time. Also on exhibit is the acclaimed Pierides Foundation of Modern Greek Engravings Collection. Some of the best pieces on display are on loan from the Dimitris Pierides Museum of Contemporary Art in Athens, Greece, with which it has become strongly associated. Onsite is a reliable Mediterranean-style restaurant, should you wish to combine lunch with your visit here.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 15:00, 17:00 to 23:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free, donations welcomed

Haydarpasha Mosque (Camii Haydarpasa)

Address: Kirlizade Sokak, North Nicosia, Cyprus
The Haydarpasha Mosque originates from the 14th century, when it began its life as the Church of Saint Catherine, being transformed into a mosque during the Ottoman period. Located in North Nicosia, the Haydarpasha Mosque is an extremely important Gothic structure and now serves the city as an art gallery. There are a variety of sculptures located here, both inside and out, including lots of stone gargoyles and dragons.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 13:00, 14:30 to 17:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 13:00
Admission: free

Other more commercial art galleries in Nicosia include the following selection:

Apocalypse Gallery
Address: 30 Chytron Street, Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2276 6655

B. Rosso Gallery
Address: Ploutarchou 10, Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2237 5748

Chrysaliniotissa Crafts Centre
Address: Dimonaktos 2, Nicosia, Cyprus

Cyprus Handicrafts Centre
Address: Athalassis 186, Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2230 5024

Gallery K
Address: 14 Evrou Street, Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2234 1123

Gallery Leventis
Address: 6 Polykleitos Street, Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2234 8451

Gallery Vartan
Address: Athalassa Avenue, Strovolos, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2251 7580

Gloria Gallery
Address: 3 Zinonos Sozou Street, Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2276 2605

Nea Diachroniki Gallery
Address: 32 Solonos Street, Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2266 5074

Pantheon Gallery
Address: Evagorou Avenue 40, Pantheon Building, Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2267 0843

Peter's Gallery Nicosia
Address: 3 Ezekia Papaioannou, Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2276 2699

Technis Dromena Gallery
Address: 53 Arch. Kyprianou Avenue, Strovolos, Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2249 6398