Nicosia Culture Club

Nicosians are justifiably proud of their city’s reputation as the cultural centre of the island. Not only is it full of museums, it’s also host to the majority of the art galleries in the country.

It’s also a tribute to the authorities that the two state owned galleries are so exceptionally supported and run. The State Gallery of Contemporary Art shows a permanent collection of a hundred year old works by local artists while the Powerhouse – it’s actually called the Municipal Arts Centre but is named Powerhouse as it used to be an old Electricity Authority building – is actually Cyprus’ most important gallery, holding at least two big shows every year.

There are also a number of privately owned galleries, which show both Cypriot and foreign artists and you should be able to pick up some original work at quite reasonable prices.

Diasporo Art Centre enjoys a reputation as one of the top galleries in Nicosia, while the Nicholas Panayi Studio, run by the artist himself, is one of the places which often shows work by both Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

For something of a more interactive nature, try the Artos Foundation which is very active in holding conferences, exhibitions, talks and even film screenings. Another place worth visiting is the Pantheon Gallery which prides itself as a rather experimental place; you’ll even be able to enjoy “experimental music” evenings.

A new appearance on the art scene is the Pharos Trust for Contemporary Art Centre. Culture vultures will already know about the Pharos Trust, who are the shining light in arranging classic music concerts; already famous and appreciated for organizing their annual Chamber Music Festival in Nicosia and Paphos, the Trust has now opened their Art Centre and are promoting it as the primary art & culture hub of Nicosia, bringing together a plethora of both regional and international artists.