The Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection at the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia

The Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia and Alpha Bank presented during a press conference the exhibition ‘’Messages on Metal. A timeless dialogue with Cyprus’’. The exhibition will be inaugurated on Thursday, 15 October 2026, and will be open to the public until 10 January 2027.

The exhibition brings to Cyprus, for the first time ever, a significant section of the Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection, one of the largest and most important private numismatic collections internationally, comprising more than 11,000 coins. The Alpha Bank exhibits are displayed in a unique ‘’dialogue’’ with coins from the Collection of the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, highlighting the long history of coinage in Cyprus and the island’s place within the political, economic and cultural itineraries of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Through a selection of coins spanning different periods and geographical regions, the exhibition explores coinage not only as a medium of exchange, but also as a bearer of history, narration and cultural memory. The representations, symbols and inscriptions engraved on metal tell stories of authority, identity, faith and social values, transforming each coin into a valuable historical artefact of the society that created it.

Dr Dimitra Tsangari, Curator of both the Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection and the exhibition, presented its museological approach and content. The exhibition comprises a total of 136 coins: 110 from the Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection, 23 from the Collection of the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia and 3 from the Collection of the Leventis Art Gallery. It is organised around three thematic sections: “Transactions”, “Narration” and “Symbolism”, which present the evolution and use of coins, the stories and figures depicted on them, as well as the messages of identity and authority they have conveyed over the centuries.

The Mayor of Nicosia, Charalambos Prountzos, stated: “Through its centuries-old history as the administrative and cultural centre of Cyprus, Nicosia carries the traces of the civilisations that shaped it and maintains a living connection with the past. The exhibition “Messages on Metal” offers the public a unique opportunity to approach coinage as a vehicle for history and culture. Bringing together the two collections creates a meaningful dialogue between the local and the broader historical context, while highlighting Cyprus’ critical role in the cultural and economic exchanges of the Eastern Mediterranean.”

The Director of the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, Dr Tzeni Lymperopoulou Savvidou, stated: ‘’Our collaboration with Alpha Bank allows us to present, for the first time, part of our Numismatic Collection as a standalone exhibition, and to showcase it through an engaging dialogue with Alpha Bank’s internationally renowned Numismatic Collection. This encounter connects two historical itineraries, offering the public the opportunity to explore the history and cultural identity of Cyprus from a different perspective.”

The CEO of Alpha Bank Cyprus, Miltos Michaelas, noted: “At Alpha Bank Cyprus, our aim is to create value for society and make a meaningful contribution to the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage. The exhibition ‘’Messages on Metal’’ embodies this philosophy, connecting history with the present, and knowledge with future generations.”

Scientific curation and accompanying publication
The overall coordination of the exhibition has been undertaken by Dr Tzeni Lymperopoulou Savvidou, Director of the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, and Dr Dimitra Tsangari, Curator of the Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection. Dr Dimitra Tsangari is responsible for the museological study and the curation of the exhibition.

The exhibition is accompanied by the bilingual publication ‘’Messages on Metal. A timeless dialogue with Cyprus’’, which serves as its scholarly and interpretative addendum. Through texts and extensive photographic material, the publication presents the history of the exhibits, the evolution of Cypriot coinage, and the role of the two collections in showcasing cultural heritage. Compiled under the scientific curation of Dr Dimitra Tsangari, the publication will be available at the shop of the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia.

Parallel events
A programme of lectures and guided tours, as well as educational activities designed for families with children and Primary and Secondary school students, will accompany the exhibition.

Information on the exhibition
•    Duration: 16 October 2026 – 10 January 2027
•    Venue: The Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia 
•    Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 – 16:00 (closed on Mondays and public holidays)
•    Information: leventismuseum.org.cy  / alphabank.com.cy 
 

Photo caption (from left to right): Mr. Miltos Michaelas, CEO of Alpha Bank Cyprus, Mr. Charalambos Prountzos, Mayor of Nicosia, Dr. Tzeni Lymperopoulou, Director of the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, Dr. Dimitra Tsangari, Curator of Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection.

Photo caption (from left to right): Mr. Miltos Michaelas, CEO of Alpha Bank Cyprus, Dr. Dimitra Tsangari, Curator of Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection, Dr. Tzeni Lymperopoulou, Director of the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, Mr. Charalambos Prountzos, Mayor of Nicosia.