It is indeed with great satisfaction and emotion that I lay the foundation stone of the New Cyprus Museum, on a truly historic day for our country
And I have referred to a historic day because like any modern country that respects and honours its history and culture, Cyprus is finally acquiring its own National Museum.
A National Monument that protects and highlights the rich cultural heritage and the interesting historical evolution of our country, with the sole purpose of informing the present and future generations about the roots of the formation of our identity as Cypriot Hellenism.
A National Museum worthy of the history and culture of our country and which, by hosting the archaeological treasures available in the country and highlighting the new findings of the ongoing excavations, will become a reference point, upgrading the local, but also the museum and cultural map.
An emblematic national archaeological museum of which all Cypriot citizens will feel proud, as it will be comparable to museums in other European countries, which highlight the history of their peoples through modern and functional museum spaces and cultural activities.
A National Museum which will give a new identity and value to the area close to the historic centre of Old Nicosia within the walls with a plethora of other museums of particular interest and subject matter.
It is worth noting that the need for a new National Museum was recognised and a decision taken in this regard in 1973.
The Government, recognizing the multiple benefits that would result from its creation, not only in relation to the preservation of one of the largest collections of Cypriot archaeology in the Eastern Mediterranean, but also the consequent benefits that would result from the attraction of visitors, local and foreign, with the exit from the economic crisis, proceeded to announce a tender for the construction of the National Museum.
I must admit that since the day the tender was awarded, there have been delays and postponements in starting the construction of one of the largest development projects and the most emblematic project to highlight the rich culture of our long history.
Delays resulting from bureaucratic and technical procedures, due to the complexity of the project, but also due to the pandemic that did not allow as much progress as we would have liked after the award.
Nevertheless, the most important thing is that today we are in position to lay the foundations for the new National Museum, which will cost €144 million to build and is expected to be completed within 42 months.
Equally important, and I must mention this, is that the cost of the project is fully budgeted in both the current and subsequent budgets until its completion and therefore will not in any way affect the €500 million surpluses that we will hand over to the next Government.
Suffice it to note that the more than 6.5 thousand exhibits that the Museum will have are divided into three distinct, spatial and conceptual sections, in a way that will reveal the long history of our country, as well as its uninterrupted relationship with the marine element.
Most importantly, these three sections will be presented through a contemporary museological narrative, enabling an experiential and participatory visit for the general public and researchers alike.
I would also like to point out that the New Cyprus Museum, in addition to the permanent and temporary exhibition spaces, will include the necessary modern facilities for the conservation of works, workshops, a library, as well as event and recreational spaces.
In this context, in addition to its historical and cultural importance, the targeted location of the Museum, in combination with the other landscaping projects, will further enhance the already regenerated image of the urban fabric of the Nicosia Municipality, which the Mayor is well aware of how the Government has helped to distinguish itself today as the true capital of the state.
The construction of the New Cyprus Museum, the most important investment in cultural infrastructure for decades by the State, is added to the set of other projects and actions that we have adopted, aiming to preserve our special cultural heritage, but also to promote and support our contemporary culture.
In addition to the project we are launching today, I highlight other projects that have either been promoted or are in the process of implementation, with a total budget of more than 38 million euros, which concern, among others.
- The establishment of the Local Archaeological Museum of Ledron.
- The upgrading of the Archaeological Museums of Paphos and Larnaca Districts.
- The upgrading of the Archaeological Museums of Paphos and Larnaca Districts.
- The unification of the archaeological sites of Paphos and Larnaca.
- The establishment of a Centre for Maritime Archaeology in Larnaca.
At the same time, recognizing that culture is a public good to which all citizens should have access, participate and enjoy equally, the government decided to establish free admission to museums under the jurisdiction of the Department of Antiquities.
I also note that a significant number of ancient monuments, such as monasteries, churches, chapels have been upgraded and restored in recent years.
I also congratulate the architect Theoni Xanthi and her colleagues for the innovative design of the Museum, as well as the joint venture "Iacovou - Cyfield Joint Venture", which has been awarded the construction of the project.
Addressing the contractors and all those involved, I note that I have no doubt that you will work with the same diligence to ensure that the Museum is delivered on schedule and becomes the property of citizens, scholars, researchers and all zealots of our culture and history.
(PM/NG/SX)
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