Right after Cyprus gained independence, the museum opened in 1964 with just two rooms. It aimed to preserve and showcase the area’s rich cultural heritage. Over the years, it expanded in 1965, 1977, and 1987, growing its collection with important archaeological finds that tell the story of Paphos and Cyprus.
The big upgrade happened in 2020. It featured a new museological approach, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Operational Program “Competitiveness and Sustainable Development” for 2014–2020. The result? A museum that blends tradition with modern practices, giving visitors a unique experience.
The revamped museum opened to the public on February 10, 2021, marking a new chapter in showcasing Paphos’s rich cultural heritage.
The Paphos Archaeological Museum is a real gem for history buffs. It holds artifacts from the Paphos area, dating from the Neolithic era to 1700 AD. Each exhibit tells its own story, painting a vivid picture of the past.
The exhibits are displayed in five different rooms. Most items come from Palepaphos (Kouklia), Nea Paphos – today’s city – and the Marios-Arsinoe area (Polis). There are also finds from Pegeia, Kissonerga, Lemba, Panagia Arodes, Salamiou, Akourdalia, Pomos, Kidasi, and Geroskipou.
The first room shows us early human life in the area: from the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods to the Bronze Age. You can also see coins minted at ancient Paphos’s mint.
The second room continues with the Iron Age and Classical period. A highlight is a tombstone from Marion (one of Cyprus’s important city-kingdoms), featuring a Cypro-syllabic inscription that shares stories from long ago.
The third room focuses on Hellenistic and Roman times. Here you can find rare marble busts like Aphrodite and an impressive marble statue of Asclepius, showing ancient people’s strong faith in their gods.
The fourth room features exhibits from the late Roman and Early Christian periods. The fifth room takes us to the Byzantine period and the Middle Ages, revealing aspects of life and art during those times.
Every step inside the museum feels like a journey through time where history comes alive. Different eras unfold before our eyes, leaving a lasting impression on every visitor.
