Museum of Kykkos Monastery

One of the most important ecclesiastical museums in Cyprus

The Museum of the Holy Monastery of Kykkos is one of the most significant ecclesiastical museums in the country. It is part of the historic Kykkos Monastery, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and has a long tradition and history, having been founded in the 11th century by Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos.

This museum is located within the Monastery itself, functioning as part of it, like the sacristy, and it presents its exhibits - icons, sacred vessels, wood carvings, vestments, embroideries, manuscripts, and more — as part of the living worship and history of the Monastery.

The museum was inaugurated in May 1998 and houses a rich collection of ecclesiastical relics, works of art, and items of great religious and historical significance.

On display are ecclesiastical items, old maps, engravings, ancient artefacts, and many other exhibits of the region's cultural heritage.

Most of the ecclesiastical items, such as vestments, icons, books, and manuscripts, have been part of the Monastery for centuries. Some others, which were looted from various parts of Cyprus in the past and sold abroad, were later purchased in auctions and repatriated.

A section of the Museum includes the Restoration Workshop for manuscripts, icons, and monastic relics, where the preservation and maintenance of the Monastery's extensive collection takes place.

Beyond the exhibits displayed in the museum space, the Museum holds a particularly rich collection of items, which are documented, photographed, and preserved by the specialised staff of the restoration workshops. These items are stored in specially designed storage areas and categorised into collections. As part of the digitalisation of its entire collection, the Museum has developed and manages a program that includes every single item, with detailed information and photographic material. This database records all items and any interventions carried out over the years, both on the Museum’s collections and on items from external collections (from other Metropolises, church committees, private individuals, etc.).

The Museum's collections are as follows:

  • Ancient Collection
  • Icon Collection
  • Document, Book, and Manuscript Collection
  • Map Collection
  • Textile Collection
  • Engraving Collection
  • Painting Collection
  • Coin Collection
  • Lead Seal Collection
  • Photograph Collection
  • Folk Art Collection
  • Vessel Collection

Museum Opening Hours at the Central Monastery:

  • Monday-Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (winter hours)
  • Monday-Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (summer hours)
  • Closed on public holidays.

Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change without notice. It is advisable for visitors to confirm these before their visit.

Office at the Archangel Cultural Foundation:

  • Monday-Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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