Cyprus Cultural Centre
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The eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus has a cultural history that stretches back thousands of years. The ancient city kingdom of Salamis, for example, was home to one of the foremost cultural centres of its day. It had amongst others, an amphi­theatre seating 20,000 spectators, and is just one of the ancient sites that offers evidence of the longstanding cultural importance of Cyprus and the region.

For a number of years, efforts have been ongoing to create a modern cultural centre in Cyprus that would recapture the glory days of the past and once again establish the island as a regional leader in cultural activities. To this end, the Cyprus Cultural Foundation was established in 2005 by the government and tasked with the creation of the Cyprus Cultural Centre in Nicosia, the island’s capital.

Scheduled to open to the general public in 2015, the Cyprus Cultural Centre will be a national venue for the performing arts - in particular symphonic and chamber music, dance, opera and musical theatre. Located in the heart of Nicosia, close to the seat of government, the Presidential Palace, the new House of Representatives, the new State Theatre, the new State Art Gallery, the Cyprus Cultural Centre will be a perfect blend of form and function, combining architectural excellence and carefully considered functionality.

A significant cultural development for Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider European Union, the Centre will prove vital in meeting the expectations of increasingly discerning audiences as well as ensuring that Cyprus features promi­nently on the burgeoning landscape of cultural tourism. By showcasing the very best in local, regional and international talent, the Centre will become a cultural focal point for the region, offering local artists the opportunity to work alongside the best performers from all over the world.

As well as a concert hall, the Centre will also assume a vital role in the civic, social and educational fabric of Cyprus itself, serving as a focal point for the performing arts while enhancing the overall development of cultural life on the island. As well as watching performances, visitors will also be able to relax and socialize with friends and colleagues in the attractive gardens and central square.

Along with its main performance hall, the Centre will also boast a separate hall and an outdoor area, suitable for large scale concerts and other forms of popular entertainment. Further facilities will include areas dedicated to educational activities, and social functions. By establishing the Centre as a multi-purpose venue, the public will be encouraged to visit, to attend performances and functions beyond those hosted in the main halls.

Main Auditorium

Offering seating for audiences of up to 1400 people, the main auditorium will host varied performances such as Symphony Orchestra, Opera, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Modern Dance and more, as well as Cinema, Conferences, etc.

Recital Hall

Offering seating for up to 450 people, serving Chamber Orchestra, Recitals, Jazz and World Music, Modern Dance, etc.

Rehearsal Hall

Providing essential rehearsal space for those performances taking place in the Main Auditorium and Recital Hall. The Rehearsal Hall will also serve as a venue for dance, exhibitions and other events (200 seats).

Education Centre

A practical multi-purpose facility hosting Lectures, Workshops, Research Programmes, Classes, Children’s Programmes, Music Library and more.

Main Foyer

No opportunity is missed when it comes to promoting the arts within the Cyprus Cultural Centre, so even the foyer will be home to exhibitions and even informal performances. A cafeteria, restaurant and retail shops will also be available..

To ensure that the Cyprus Cultural Centre stands proudly alongside significant international architectural works, the Cyprus Cultural Foundation launched an international architectural competition in 2006 to design the new Centre. Attracting 60 entrants from 16 different countries, an international jury of distinguished personalities, ultimately selected the submission by Hopkins Architects of the UK. Hopkins are working with a top-flight team of leaders in their respective fields, including world class engineers Ove Arup and Partners (Britain, USA), acousticians Kirkegaard Associates (USA) and theatre designers Auerbach Pollock Friedlander (USA). Following the completion of the construction designs of the Centre, an international competition for the selection of the contractor has already started. The project will be partly funded by the European Union.

The establishment of the all-new Cyprus Cultural Centre has already been hailed as the beginning of a cultural renaissance in Cyprus. The Centre is sure to serve as a bridge for cultural communication, cooperation and development between Cyprus, its fellow European Union members, and the neighbouring countries in the region.

Architects

Link to Hopkins Architects web site

Architects - Hopkins Architects was founded in 1976 by Michael and Patty Hopkins. It now employs over 100 people at its London office and a further 30 people in Dubai. The practice has a wide portfolio of buildings, including many for the Arts, which have won numerous architectural awards. It is internationally recognized for its work in sustainable design.

The Cyprus Cultural Centre competition team was led by Director, Andrew Barnett, who will continue the development of the project from the London office.

Consultants

Engineers - Ove Arup and Partners

Acousticians - Kirkegaard Associates

Theatre Designers - Auerbach Pollock Friedlander