CVAR - Severis Foundation: A Cultural Oasis in Nicosia

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Explore Cyprus's rich cultural heritage through art, historical artifacts, and research at the Centre of Visual Arts & Research in Nicosia.

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CVAR - Severis Foundation

The CVAR - Severis Foundation, located in the heart of Nicosia, is an art museum, research center, and cultural hub dedicated to preserving and promoting Cypriot culture and history. It houses a unique collection of paintings, costumes, and artifacts, offering visitors a glimpse into the island's multicultural past.

A brief summary to CVAR - Severis Foundation

Ermou 285, Nicosia, CY
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Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

Check the CVAR website for upcoming events, lectures, and temporary exhibitions to enhance your visit.
Take advantage of the free access to the Research Centre to delve deeper into Cypriot history and culture.
Combine your visit with a walk through the historic walled city of Nicosia to experience the city's unique atmosphere.
Plan your visit during weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.

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Getting There

Walking

If you are already in the vicinity of Nicosia city center, you can walk to CVAR - Severis Foundation. Start from Eleftheria Square, walk east along Ledra Street, then turn right onto Ermou Street. Continue along Ermou Street for about 500 meters. The foundation is located at Ermou 285. It's a pleasant walk, allowing you to take in the sights of the city.
Public Transport

To reach CVAR - Severis Foundation by bus, find the nearest bus stop serving the Nicosia city center. You can take bus number 111 or 113, which services the area frequently. Board the bus and ride until you reach the 'Omorfo' stop. From there, it is approximately a 10-minute walk. Head towards Ermou Street and continue straight until you reach Ermou 285. Look for the CVAR - Severis Foundation building along the way. A single bus fare in Nicosia costs approximately €2.00.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Nicosia. A taxi from Eleftheria Square to CVAR would be a short ride. Expect to pay an initial charge of €3.80 plus €0.95 per kilometer. A 5km ride in Nicosia by taxi would cost around €11.5 EUR. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about CVAR - Severis Foundation

The Centre of Visual Arts & Research (CVAR) - Severis Foundation is located on Ermou Street within Nicosia's historic walled city. Opened in 2014, CVAR is dedicated to promoting understanding, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence among all communities on the island. The foundation's home is a meticulously restored building with a rich history. Originally an Ottoman-era Khan (caravanserai), it was later transformed into a flour mill in 1953, bearing witness to the city's evolving identity. Today, it houses a unique collection amassed by Costas and Rita Severis, offering visitors a captivating journey through Cyprus's multicultural past. CVAR's collection is a treasure trove of visual and historical artifacts. Over 1,500 paintings by foreign artists who traveled to Cyprus between the 18th and 20th centuries offer a glimpse into the island's landscapes, monuments, people, and daily life as seen through the eyes of outsiders. These works provide invaluable insights into how Cyprus was perceived and portrayed during a pivotal period of its history. Beyond paintings, CVAR boasts a remarkable collection of over 500 costumes and textiles, showcasing the evolution of Cypriot dress and the diverse influences it absorbed from both East and West. These garments tell stories of tradition, adaptation, and cultural exchange, reflecting the island's strategic location at the crossroads of civilizations. The museum also houses a wealth of memorabilia from the last three centuries, offering a tangible connection to Cyprus's past. Special corners of the museum are dedicated to the island's diverse communities, including the Maronite, Armenian, Latin, and Turkish Cypriot communities, highlighting their unique contributions to the island's cultural mosaic. CVAR's commitment to education and research is evident in its extensive library and research center. The Research Centre provides free access to over 10,000 books on history, art, and travel related to Cyprus and the Near East, a large archive of manuscripts, diaries, articles, and over 20,000 old photographs of Cyprus.