Gallery 22: Cyprus

The collection of antiquities from the island of Cyprus ranges from the Neolithic to the Late Roman Period, underlining the continuing importance of the island in the Mediterranean throughout history. The displays include pottery with many pieces showing the distinctive geometric designs and also figurines in clay and copper alloy, glass vessels, stone sculpture and inscriptions.

Today research and documentation is still on-going with the aim of bringing to light - through the objects - the fundamental role the island has played in trade across the Mediterranean region, as well as the way its insularity has shaped a unique cultural identity, in which indigenous cultural forms were preserved and transmitted whilst new ideas and external influences were simultaneously assimilated.

• Ground floor