Cyprus’ capital has long been the last divided city in Europe. The Inside the Sector 2 exhibition brings to life the stories of those who inhabit the Green Line

Nicosia, Europe’s last divided capital, has long been a city of contrasts, its bustling streets juxtaposed with the silent, guarded buffer zone. Now, the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia invites visitors to delve deeper into this story with the temporary exhibition, Sector 2: Nicosia. This showcase brings to life the history and human impact of the Green Line, a boundary that has shaped the city for six decades.

The exhibition’s title, Sector 2: Nicosia, carries profound significance as the exhibition team explained. Beyond its reference to the geographical division enforced by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force, it casts a stark light on the shared fate of Nicosia’s communities. Here, the Green Line becomes more than a dividing mark; it is a mirror reflecting the city’s past, present and possible future.

“It emphasises,” says the museum, “devoid of sentimentality, the shared ‘fate’ of the city under a different light determined as Sector 2.”

The exhibition unfolds through four thematic sections, each offering a unique lens on the city’s transformation. These thoughtfully designed segments guide visitors through decades of change, conflict and hope, each offering a unique lens on the city’s transformation.

Following the exhibition’s museological trail, the sections are laid out in the chronological milestones of 1956, 1958, 1963, 1964 and 1974. They each unlock the evidence which comprises all the pieces of the puzzle in relation to the evolution of bicommunal relations and their impact on Nicosia.

“The first section features the era of coexistence among all communities and the social bonds they shared,” adds the museum. “The second section explores the events occurring in Nicosia from December 21 to 30, 1963, which led to the first official establishment of the Green Line.

“In the third and more experiential section an anthropocentric lens highlights the distance and isolation experienced by the two communities, showcasing the development of two parallel worlds in everyday life. Finally, the fourth section focuses on positive initiatives and actions, preserving hope for future reunification.”

The exhibition isn’t just about observing artifacts; it’s about feeling the weight of history. Every corner of the space is designed to immerse visitors, compelling them to confront the complexities of a divided city, and its history.

Visitors encounter historical documents, objects, artworks, and oral testimonies, alongside installations and video art. Through its interactive displays, “it invites visitors to grasp the collective trauma experienced by the people of Nicosia on both sides of the dividing line, who navigate a city that is both familiar and foreign to them simultaneously.”

The labyrinthine layout of the exhibition space mimics the narrow, dead-end streets of Nicosia, evoking the physical and emotional confines experienced by its residents and their gradual alienation throughout these six decades of division.

This ambitious project has been years in the making. The museum’s curator Chrysostomos Sakallis spearheaded the research and material collection which started almost two years ago, collaborating with director Magdalena Zira and set designer Elena Katsouri to craft a rich experience. Countless hours of meticulous research, planning and collaboration brought this vision to life, ensuring it resonates with both historical accuracy and emotional depth.

The exhibition also owes its realisation to the generosity of individuals and organisations that shared photographs, objects and testimonies, bringing personal stories into the public eye. A publication rich in essays and photographs is there to browse, complementing the historical timeline of the exhibition with important testimonies.

To deepen engagement, the museum has planned guided tours, children’s workshops, lectures and other events. These activities invite the public to not just observe history but participate in its ongoing conversation. Until October 31, visitors have a rare opportunity to experience the city’s divided story in a new light and explore archival material displayed in exciting, alternative ways. A VR section, a picture wall to squint through to find tiny glimpses of the past, handwritten notes to scribble reflections on and more.

Through Sector 2: Nicosia, the Green Line is no longer just a line of barbed wire. It becomes a narrative thread, weaving together stories of division and resilience, isolation and connection, despair and hope. It is a journey through Nicosia’s past, inviting viewers to envision a more unified future.

Sector 2: Nicosia

Temporary exhibition on the story of the Green Line. Until October 31. Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia. Tuesday-Sunday: 10am-4.30pm. www.leventismuseum.org.cy. Tel: 22-661475