Centre of visual arts and Research (CVAR) in Nicosia

CVAR is located in Nicosia Old Town, it was founded in 2014.

It’s founders, Costas and Rita Severis, explained that the idea of opening this center was born when their private art collection grew too big and they decided it was worth sharing with public.

Permanent Exhibition is quite impressive, it includes:

• 1,500 paintings made by foreign artists who traveled to Cyprus in different times.
• Over 25.000 photographs from 1880s to 1960 picturing vary aspects of Cyprus life.
• Over 500 pieces of clothing that show the development of Cypriot dress.

CVAR also houses a library and research centre with over 10,000 volumes that are available to scholars and casual readers.

Center hosts educational programs for children, young students and families; Film and photographic presentations; Lectures and workshops, round table discussion and conferences.

But there was a thing that amazed me the most. I had an audio tour in the CVAR and right in the middle my headphones died. I went to replace them, but instead Rita Severis just stood up and performed a private tour around the gallery by her own. She was collecting all these pieces of art for decades, sometimes had to travel far away to buy something related to Cypriot history. And she was happy to share stories that stand behind each piece of art in her collection. Cypriots should be very proud to have such a dedicated and loyal citizens.

Highly recommended to visit!

Visiting hours are different in summer and winter time.

Contact info:

Visiting Hours (Winter):

Tuesday-Sunday: 9:30-17:00

Friday: 9:30-20:00

Closed: Monday

Entrance fee: 5euro (free for children and students)

Address: 285 Ermou Street, Nicosia, 1017 Cyprus

Website: http://www.cvar.severis.org/en/