An archaeological exhibition titled “Cyprus at the Louvre” has officially opened at the Louvre Museum in Paris, one of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions. The exhibition forms part of the Cultural Programme of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Wednesday evening and was led by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides. Among those in attendance were France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, and Deputy Minister of Culture Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou.
Also present were France’s Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, Greece’s Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, as well as prominent figures from France’s cultural community.
Source: PIO
Cypriot antiquities in dialogue with the Louvre collection
The exhibition, which will remain open to visitors until 22 June 2026, is the result of collaboration between the Deputy Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus, the University of Cyprus, the CYENS Centre of Excellence and the Louvre Museum.
A selection of Cypriot antiquities, including picrolite figurines and clay votive statuettes, were temporarily transferred from the Department of Antiquities for display in Paris. In Rooms 300 and 316 of the museum, objects from the Louvre’s permanent Cypriot collection enter into creative dialogue with 16 selected ancient artefacts that travelled from Cyprus specifically for the exhibition.
The display is accompanied by newly developed, scientifically documented interpretative material, placing the antiquities within their broader historical and cultural context, as illuminated by recent archaeological research.
Particular emphasis is placed on the long-standing and pioneering contribution of French archaeological missions in Cyprus, which form an integral part of the exhibition’s narrative.
Source: PIO
Digital innovation and cultural memory
The visitor experience is further enhanced through innovative digital applications, including three-dimensional reconstructions, interactive screens and augmented reality features. These tools shed light on aspects of ancient life in Cyprus, such as writing and language, religious practices, trade networks, medical knowledge and the island’s intangible cultural heritage, transforming historical knowledge into an immersive experience.
Poetry by major Greek poets, including Giorgos Seferis, inspired by Cyprus, as well as traditional Cypriot songs, are integrated into the exhibition through digital technology. This approach bridges past and present, inviting visitors not only to observe but also to listen to and feel the island’s cultural memory and to grasp the depth of its historical roots.
Source: PIO
Lectures and publication
Throughout the duration of the exhibition, a series of public lectures will be held to disseminate the findings of archaeological research on Cyprus to a wider international audience.
The exhibition is accompanied by a trilingual publication featuring contributions from 37 archaeologists, historians and scholars from various disciplines, offering multifaceted insights into the exhibition, Cypriot archaeology and the Cypriot collection at the Louvre.
The initiative represents a significant opportunity to promote Cyprus’ ancient civilisation at both European and international level.