With full formality and splendour, the 20th anniversary of the Agia Napa Municipal Museum “THALASSA” was celebrated, during which the inauguration of the Interactive Digital and the Educational Underwater Archaeology Station also took place.
In a festive and moving atmosphere, the inauguration of the new Interactive Digital and Educational Underwater Archaeology Station was held yesterday, Friday evening, at the Agia Napa Municipal Museum “THALASSA”, marking the celebration of the Museum’s 20 years of operation. The inauguration was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Dr. Vassiliki Kassianidou, and the Mayor of Agia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannettou.
In her address, the Deputy Minister of Culture expressed her delight at attending the celebrations and highlighted the significance of the new Station, which strengthens the Museum’s educational mission by offering modern digital tools and interactive experiences to children and adults in the field of underwater archaeology. She also referred to the Museum’s contribution to showcasing Cyprus’ relationship with the sea, the faithful replica of the ancient ship “Kyrenia II”, and the Museum’s full accessibility for persons with disabilities. She concluded by congratulating the Museum on its 20-year contribution and affirmed that the State recognises and supports its work.
In his own address, the Mayor of Agia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannettou, emphasised that the past twenty years of the Museum represent research, culture, memory, and creativity, establishing Agia Napa as an internationally recognised cultural hub. He stressed that the Museum is not only an exhibition space, but also a centre for cultural research, tourism and educational training, a platform for museum pedagogy, and a space for social dialogue on Cyprus’ cultural and maritime heritage.
The Mayor also referred to the ship “Kyrenia II” as a symbol of collective memory and a major project of experimental archaeology, to the Temporary Municipal Art Gallery of Famagusta as a declaration of hope for the city’s return to culture and freedom, and to the new Interactive Digital Underwater Archaeology Station, which transforms scientific knowledge into an immersive experience with the support of the Honor Frost Foundation.
He also expressed his appreciation to the President of the Maritime Museum of Crete, Captain (HN ret.) Emmanouil Petrakis, and the Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Eleftheria Douka, for their presence and the prospects of collaboration in the field of naval cultural heritage.
During the event, the founders and visionaries of the “THALASSA” Museum were honoured, acknowledging their contribution to its establishment and development as a Centre of Culture. Among those awarded were the representatives of the Maritime Museum of Crete.
Our Museum continues its efforts to promote and strengthen cooperation with Maritime Museums both in Greece and abroad.
We look forward to the immediate further collaboration of our two museums!
