Museum History

In 1984 the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia was born from an idea of the then mayor of Nicosia, Lellos Demetriades, and from the sponsorship of the A. G. Leventis Foundation. It was inaugurated in April 1989. It is housed in a complex of three historic buildings, which have been restored and adapted to meet modern museological standards. 

The Museum was created to present and highlight the history of Nicosia, the last divided capital of Europe. It narrates the history of the city from prehistoric times to the present day through its exceptional, rich Collections. More than 10,000 objects, including maps, documents, paintings, engravings and costumes, present moments of the centuries-old history of the city and invite visitors to interact with its past. 

In 1991 the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia was bestowed the European Museum of the Year Award by the European Museum Award Committee, which operates under the auspices of the Council of Europe. The Leventis Municipal Museum is now recognised as one of leading history museums of Europe.

The Museum also hosts a series of activities and events, aimed at people of all age groups, with different cognitive backgrounds and needs. Temporary exhibitions, guided tours, lectures, talks, evening events and educational activities are designed in such a way as to connect with the Museum’s Collections and the history and social development of Nicosia.