The conviction that the path for creating a new Archaeological Museum in Limassol has now been set was expressed by the Minister of Transport, Communications, and Works, on the occasion of the agreement on the Limassol Municipality's proposal for the upgrading of the existing museum and its expansion towards the area of the Public Garden. Mr. Alexis Vafeadis stated to "Entrepreneurial Limassol" that, from now on, those involved are called upon to manage the challenges that will arise in order to implement the project.
The Minister reminded that the issue of the museum has concerned the government since the first day it assumed office, and that relevant meetings had been held both with the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and with the Mayor, during which the matter was discussed extensively. Regarding the earlier proposal for the construction of a museum within the sea, he pointed out that it was rejected due to strong objections from the Department of Antiquities, as the safety of the antiquities could not be ensured, resulting in the issue being suspended for a period of time.
Mr. Vafeadis stressed that the problem remains, as Limassol needs a modern museum housed in a landmark building that will provide the necessary facilities for the housing, protection, and presentation of antiquities. He also noted that following a relevant proposal by the Mayor, Mr. Giannis Armeftis, he visited the site and concluded that it represents a particularly good choice. He stated that although there are challenges — such as the need to overcome the road network — the idea is considered functional by both himself and the Deputy Minister of Culture, Dr. Vasiliki Kassianidou. As he said, “The expansion of the existing Archaeological Museum building towards the Public Garden creates a direct connection between the two spaces, something that not only enhances the museum but also strengthens the role of the Public Garden as a social hub in the city of Limassol.”
The Minister noted that the shaping of the surrounding area is expected to create an urban, public, and social space that will combine the use of the museum and the Public Garden, enhancing the overall city experience. Mr. Vafeadis added that the Department of Public Works also participated in the meeting with the Mayor and the Deputy Minister. Having gained experience from the construction of the New Museum in Nicosia, the department will also be involved in the case of Limassol.
The intention of the stakeholders is to follow an Architectural Competition process, with Public Works undertaking the implementation of the final design. The Minister explained that the competition solution was chosen because a landmark building is required, one that will be integrated into the city’s cultural map. “We want to see a variety of ideas and proposals, so that the best one is selected,” he said.
As he added, the competition’s evaluation committee will include representatives from the Municipality, the Deputy Ministry of Culture, and Public Works. In the event of an international competition, participation by foreign judges is also expected. At the same time, a meeting with the president of the Scientific and Technical Chamber of Cyprus (ETEK) is being planned, to explore the Chamber's potential involvement.
The president of LCCI, Mr. Andreas Tsouloftas, through the Mayor of Limassol, was informed about the developments and clarified that the Chamber's position remains stable: as long as the museum can meet the city's needs, LCCI has no objection to the construction of an overpass bridge and its expansion towards the Public Garden and the former District Officer's residence. He also reminded that during a previous meeting with the Deputy Minister, he had raised concerns about the lack of satisfactory parking spaces at the existing building. For this reason, a proposal had been made to utilize the PASYDY building, which ultimately did not materialize.
Mr. Tsouloftas emphasized that the museum should not be limited solely to the exhibition of antiquities but should also include spaces for hosting traveling exhibitions from museums and galleries abroad. “We want a museum in the modern, broader sense that applies internationally,” he stated. Concluding, he revealed that Mayor Mr. Giannis Armeftis informed him that a meeting with the Deputy Minister is scheduled for the end of May, during which LCCI will be officially invited to express its position.
It is noted that Mr. Armeftis recently announced that the Municipality is proposing the upgrading of the Archaeological Museum and its expansion with a new building within the Public Garden, connected via an overpass bridge over Anastassis Sioukri Street. The proposal also includes the creation of an urban plaza in place of the current parking area of the Green Service.
