New €144m archaeological museum taking shape in Nicosia

Construction work for the new archaeological museum in Nicosia is in full swing.

According to posts about the progress of the project, the first concrete slab for the exhibition building (B) of the new museum has been poured.

The concrete formwork for the building in question is beginning to take shape, while at a length of approximately 80 meters, it is supported by two impressive vertical columns at the ends.

The project, estimated to cost €144 million plus VAT, will feature state-of-the-art facilities and high energy standards.
The new museum is expected to be a landmark in showcasing Cyprus' rich archaeological heritage, while boosting tourism and the country's economic development.

It is recalled that at the end of last February, loan agreements of €72 million each were signed between the Republic of Cyprus and the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEDB), to finance the construction of the new archaeological museum.

Construction work on what is certain to become an iconic building, began in 2023 with the aim of completion in 2027, will include 5,500 sq m of permanent exhibition spaces, 1,000 sq m of temporary exhibitions, 2,000 sq m of maintenance workshops and 5,000 sq m of warehouses for storage.

In addition, the new archaeological museum will feature an amphitheatre, a restaurant, and underground parking spaces, while the outdoor areas include a 7,000 sq m square with a fountain and green zones.

It is noted that the bioclimatic design of the building includes natural shading and a photovoltaic system for high energy efficiency.

With an economic footprint and with the aim of boosting tourism

The archaeological museum will be a point of reference, repositioning Cyprus on the cultural map of Europe and the wider region.

The vision for the archaeological museum of Cyprus began in 2016 with the announcement of an architectural competition and was completed in 2017 with the awarding of first prize to the proposal from Theoni Xanthi XZA Architects.

In 2019, the contract for the preparation of the studies was signed, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while in 2022 the construction contract was signed and in 2023 construction work began, which was undertaken by the "Iacovou - Cyfield (M) Joint Venture" consortium, with the contract providing for a two-year maintenance period and a provision for negotiation for ten-year maintenance.

The project, with a strong social and economic footprint, is expected to boost tourism and breathe new life into Nicosia, constituting a modern hub of culture, education and social interaction.

Photos: Fereos + Associates Architects

(Source: InBusinessNews)