Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation has become a vital part of island’s artistic landscape
In the heart of Nicosia, near the historic church of Faneromeni, lies a beacon of cultural heritage and intellectual exploration – the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation. Since its ‘birth’ in 1984, this remarkable institution has been dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Cyprus’ culture in various fields, such as archaeology, history, art and literature. With the aim of highlighting and disseminating the cultural and natural heritage of Cyprus, and especially its Greek culture, the foundation has become a vital part of the island’s cultural landscape.
A historic building with a rich heritage
The Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation is housed in the old administrative building of the bank, which was constructed in 1936. This historic building is not only testimony to the island’s architectural heritage, but also a symbolic bridge connecting the past with the present. On its premises, the foundation curates an impressive range of collections and museums, offering information on the rich mosaic of Cypriot culture and history.
Different collections under one roof
The foundation’s commitment to preserving culture is evident in its diverse Cypriot collections, which include coins, maps, rare books and manuscripts, engravings, old photographs and watercolours, contemporary Cypriot art and Cypriot antiquities. Each collection offers a unique perspective on the historical and cultural course and evolution of Cyprus, enriched by significant donations over the years, such as the photographic archive of Manuel Baud-Bovy and Aristea Tzanos Baud-Bovy.
Two remarkable museums, the Museum of the History of Cypriot Coinage and the Archaeological Museum of George and Nefeli Tziapra Pierides, donated by Kleious and Solonas Triantaphyllides, highlight the role of the foundation in cultural education and recognition. These spaces not only host priceless objects but they also tell the stories of Cyprus through the centuries.
Expanding cultural horizons and promoting knowledge
The foundation’s activities extend beyond exhibitions and collections, since it actively promotes research, organises lectures and scientific conferences dedicated to the multiple and diverse aspects of Cypriot culture.
The publication of books and albums in areas related to Cypriot heritage further contributes to academic and cultural dialogue. In addition, the foundation has left its mark internationally, collaborating with important organisations and museums around the world to promote Cypriot culture.
Heritage of the cultural tradition of Cyprus
The Bank of Cyprus has long been a patron of arts and culture, a tradition that has developed since Cyprus gained independence in 1960. The establishment of the Cultural Foundation is proof of the Bank’s commitment to enrich the island’s cultural scene, a commitment that has been recognised and awarded by various institutions, both in Cyprus and abroad.
Historical Archive: Preserving the past for the future
In 2013, the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation expanded its management of Cyprus’ cultural heritage by integrating the activities of the former Laiki Bank Cultural Centre. This integration brought under its protection a wealth of historical documents, rare books and works of art, which are housed in the Faneromeni building. The Historical Archive, established by the Bank of Cyprus Group, further underlines the foundation’s role in preserving Cyprus’ economic and cultural history through a comprehensive collection of documents, audiovisual material and memorabilia.
Symbol of cultural identity
The emblem, designed by Andy Ioannidis in 1986, reflects the essence of the foundation’s mission. Representing a blend of antiquity, history and the intense cultural life of Cyprus, the emblem symbolises the light of knowledge and the perpetual movement of cultural evolution.
Cyprus Insula: History – Memory – Reality
Since the beginning of July 2024, the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation has been hosting a landmark exhibition called Cyprus Insula: History – Memory – Reality to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. This extensive and interactive exhibition, curated by Dr Yiannis Toumazis and Demetra Ignatiou, takes visitors on a deep journey through Cyprus’ long and multifaceted history, from its ancient origins to the complexity of its current reality.
The exhibition depicts life in Cyprus in a modern and interactive way from antiquity until today, with the message the non-negotiable unity of the island. Focusing on time and place, human relationships emerge and narratives are constructed, which highlight aspects of the history and contemporary reality of Cyprus. In addition, continuities and discontinuities that arise and are assimilated over the historical course of Cyprus are highlighted, which sometimes dominate and are sometimes forgotten historically.
The exhibition, which is open to the public until June 30, 2025, is open daily from 10am to 7pm at the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation in the old town of Nicosia.
A new chapter: reopening the Agora
The Cultural Foundation has announced the reopening of the Agora, the foundation’s shop area. This newly revitalised space offers a range of products inspired by the collections housed at the foundation, and the general themes of the recent exhibition Island of Cyprus. The objective of the Agora is to offer visitors a tangible connection to Cypriot culture by offering unique objects that reflect the island’s rich heritage and artistic tradition.
The reopening of the Agora is a significant enhancement of the Cultural Foundation’s offerings, allowing visitors to take with them a piece of Cypriot history and art. At the same time, it is proof of the foundation’s ongoing efforts to engage with the public and make Cyprus’ cultural heritage accessible to a wider audience.
A continuous journey of discovery
The Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation continues to be a decisive force for the preservation and promotion of Cypriot culture. Through its collections, museums and educational activities, the foundation invites locals and visitors to embark on a journey through time, exploring Cyprus’ rich cultural heritage.
