On the occasion of International Museum Day 2026 and this year's theme "Museums unite a divided world", the Ayia Napa Municipal Museum THALASSA is organizing from May 12 to 19, 2026 a multidimensional program of events, educational activities, workshops, lectures and tours, for young and old.
This year's theme aims to highlight the role of museums as living nuclei of culture that unite people, ideas and cultures, promoting empathy, respect for diversity and social cohesion. Through the theme of the sea, the Ayia Napa Municipal Museum THALASSA highlights the timeless connection of peoples and cultures through maritime tradition and cultural exchange.
The program includes educational programs for schools, theatrical performances, experiential workshops, guided tours and scientific lectures, which connect mythology, history and maritime heritage with modern social values.
In particular, from May 12 to 14, the Museum Education educational program "Theater and Acceptance of Diversity" with Nadia Tomasidou will be implemented, based on the play "The Star Child" by Oscar Wilde, through which students will approach concepts such as respect, acceptance and diversity.
On Tuesday, May 12 at 19:30, a lecture will be held by Dr. Maria Michael, Marine Archaeologist of the Honor Frost Foundation, on the topic "The relationship of Cypriots with the sea through the study of fishing in antiquity", while a guided tour will precede it at 18:30.
On Thursday, May 14 at 16:30 PM, the interactive workshop "Tradition, Roots and Stories of Yesterday!" will be held for retirees, with Michalis Hadjimichael. Through traditional songs, dances and narratives, participants will share memories and experiences, strengthening collective cultural memory.
On May 15 and 18, the educational program "In Ayia Napa, the sea-loving... Ship of Kyrenia, set sail!" will be presented with museum educator Marina Protopapa Keliri. Through a fantastic journey into the maritime history of Cyprus, children will travel through the history of ancient navigation and the Ship of Kyrenia.
On Saturday, May 16, two educational programs will be held for children of different ages with narrator Glafkos Kariolou, themed around the mermaid, the sister of Alexander the Great and the Ship of Kyrenia. Specifically, for ages 5-8, the program “The Mermaid, the sister of Alexander the Great and the Ship of Kyrenia” will be presented, while for ages 9-13, the program “The Ancient Ship of Kyrenia and our Kyrenia” will be presented, through interactive storytelling and an introduction to the maritime tradition of Cyprus.
On Sunday, May 17, the interactive theatrical performance "Apollo's Lyre" will be presented at 18:00 by the Piccolo Theater, inspired by Greek mythology and the use of a reconstructed ancient lyre.
On Tuesday, May 19, the educational program "Water Stories" will be implemented with the participation of students from special units of Sotiras 1st Primary School.
Particular emphasis is placed on the inclusion and participation of different social groups, making the museum an open space for learning, creation and cultural exchange.
On Monday, May 18, on the occasion of the main day of celebration, International Museum Day, the museum will remain open with free admission from 09:00 to 20:00.
Contact Details & Information:
For more information and reservations for workshops and performances, the public can contact:
• Telephone: +357 23816366
• Email: thalassa.museum@agianapa.org.cy
• Website: www.thalassamuseum.org.cy
• Address: 14 Kryou Nerou Avenue, Ayia Napa 5345, Cyprus
