Title: Limassol Archaeological Museum Set for an Upgrade, Not Relocation
In a recent visit to Limassol, Deputy Minister of Culture Vasiliki Kassianidou confirmed plans for a museum upgrade rather than relocation for the Limassol Archaeological Museum. Addressing the media, Kassianidou endorsed the museum’s current centrality to the city and announced that it will undergo enhancements to better exhibit the wealth of new archaeological finds from nearby sites such as Amathounta.
The Deputy Minister toured several archaeological locations, including the ancient port and new burial sites in Amathounta, emphasizing the importance of these treasures and their representation in the museum. Her vision includes the creation of educational spaces within the museum to serve both visitors and archaeologists alike. The facility aims to become a hub for educational activities related to the recent excavations and archaeological discoveries.
Despite calls from local authorities for the museum’s relocation, Kassianidou reinforced the significance of its present site, noting that the building itself contributes to Limassol’s modern architectural heritage. She revealed that expansion potential exists within the current premises and that steps are being taken to integrate the necessary studies and renovations into the budget.
One of the main goals, she mentioned, is to extend the museum’s operating hours, including opening on weekends, with a study on this matter already prepared for submission to the finance ministry. The Deputy Minister also highlighted her commitment to improving maintenance and management of archaeological sites throughout Limassol to enhance visitor experiences.
Kassianidou concluded by acknowledging that while the Episkopi community’s museum also requires an upgrade, there are challenges in Erimi due to private ownership issues. Her visit underscores a growing dedication to not only preserving but also revitalizing Cyprus’s rich historical legacy through strategic improvements of key cultural institutions like the Limassol Archaeological Museum.