Nicosia Museums

(Nicosia, Cyprus)

When it comes to museums in Nicosia, there really is an exceptionally good selection to choose from, covering all kinds of different Cypriot subject matters. Topics covered at Nicosia's museums range from archaeology and ethnography, to vintage motorcycles, old jewellery and historic coinage in Cyprus.

Regarded by many to be nothing short of the number one museum on Cyprus, a visit to the aptly named Cyprus Museum really is something of a must. The huge and extremely well organised collection of Cypriot archaeological treasures is quite impressive and includes limestone lions, and sphinxes from the Tamassos necropolis (on the southerly outskirts of Nicosia). This is certainly one attraction not to be missed.

Cyprus Museum

Address: Leoforos Mouseiou 1, South Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2286 5888
The Cyprus Museum is easy to reach from Nicosia city centre and is just a short stroll from the Plateia Eleftherias, being located to the west and across from the Municipal Gardens. Amongst the many highlights is a display of ancient terracotta figures originating from Agia Irini (to the north of Morfou). In total there are a staggering 2,000 of these terracotta figures and they are believed to date as far back as the 6th century BC. Also worth keeping an eye out for is the state of Aphrodite of Solo, the bronze of Emperor Septimus Severus, and some exquisite mosaics from Palea Pafos.
Open hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - 08:00 to 16:00, Wednesday - 08:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 13:00
Admission: charge

Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum

Address: Granikou 44, South Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2268 0222
The privately owned Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum is very suitable for families with children of all ages, and particularly those who enjoy checking out vintage motorbikes. The collection is extensive and numbers more than 150 motorbikes, the majority of which are British in origin and have been amassed over a period of years. Very often, you will find the owner onsite, who is always more than happy to talk about his passion for period motorcycles.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 13:00, 15:30 to 19:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 13:00
Admission: charge

Cyprus Jewellery Museum

Address: Praxippou, South Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2266 7278
Situated within the city's pedestrianised area of Laiki Yitonia, inside the walled city, the Cyprus Jewellery Museum clearly documents the history of Cypriot jewellery making, from the late 19th century onwards. There is a wealth of jewellery related exhibits here to be enjoyed, ranging from silver utensils and golden necklaces, to religious artefacts and historic tools.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Ethnographic Museum

Address: Plateia Arhiepiskopou Kyprianou, South Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2243 2578
Standing on the Plateia Arhiepiskopou Kyprianou and near to the Makarios Cultural Foundation, the Ethnographic Museum contains the most sizable collection of ethnography and folk art in the whole of Cyprus. The building itself is quite an attraction and was constructed in the 15th century, being modified a number of times over the subsequent years. Highlights include examples of exquisite lace work and embroidery, traditional Cypriot costumes, ceramics, folk art works, leather ware and basketry.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 13:00
Admission: charge

Leventis Municipal Museum

Address: Ippokratous 17, South Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2267 3375
The Leventis Municipal Museum may be rather on the small side, but it is worth a look if you have time on your hands, especially as the entrance is completely free of charge. Inside, the most historic exhibits are more than 4,000 years old and well preserved. There are traditional Cypriot costumes, household utensils, old books and various local relics, as well as a nice gift shop.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: free

Ledra Museum - Observatory

Address: 11th Floor, Shakolas Tower, Corner of Arsinois and Ledra, South Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2267 9396
Although named a 'museum', the Ledra Museum really is more of an observatory and is filled with astronomical delights. The observatory is easy to find and stands on the top of the Ermes department store, which was formerly the home of Woolworths. It is well worth coming here for the splendid views of the Nicosia cityscape below, and to use the powerful telescopes to follow the course of the dividing 'Green Line' boundary.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 20:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Museum of Barbarism

Address: Irhan Sokak 2, North Nicosia, Cyprus
The past atrocities that were committed against the Turkish Cypriot communities are remembered at the Museum of Barbarism. Residing in a peaceful suburb and on the western side of North Nicosia Old City area, the museum features much information about the past Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston - EOKA (National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters) and their terrorism acts carried out in the 1960s.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 14:00
Admission: charge

Museum of the History of Cypriot Coinage

Address: Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, 86-90 Phaneromenis Street, South Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2212 8157
Recently relocated from its former site at the Bank of Cyprus Administrative Headquarters on Stasinou Street, the Museum of the History of Cypriot Coinage is now to be found within the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation. The permanent collection of coins from Cyprus chronicles the production of the very first coins ever used on the island, in the 6th century BC, right up to the present day. In excess of 500 Cypriot coins are on display here and grouped into nine main chronological sections.
Open hours: daily: 10:00 to 19:00
Admission: free

National Struggle Museum

Address: Kinyras 7, South Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2230 5878
They say that when it comes to museums in Nicosia, there is something for everyone, and the National Struggle Museum is certainly an acquired taste and really only suitable for those with an avid interest in Cyprus history. There is plenty of island memorabilia to immerse yourself in here, with old photographs and documents relating to the National Liberation Struggle between 1955 and 1959, when Cyprus fought tirelessly for the ending of British rule.
Open hours: Monday to Wednesday, Friday - 08:00 to 14:00, Thursday - 08:00 to 14:00, 15:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

Turkish Museum (Mevlevi Tekke Muzesi)

Address: Girne Caddesi, North Nicosia, Cyprus
Located within North Nicosia, the Turkish Museum was originally a 17th-century monastery used by the Mevlevi Order (Whirling Dervishes). The spiritual beliefs and philosophy of this historical Islamic sect is celebrated here. Photographs depict the various dances and activities that they performed, while other highlights include a period kitchen, ornate Muslin tombstones and the coffins of some Mevlevi sheiks.
Open hours: May to October, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00; November to April, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 13:00, 14:00 to 16:45
Admission: charge