The Fairytale Museum in Nicosia is facing closure after three years of operation due to the Coronavirus crisis, its Director and founder Vicky Balomenou said on Monday evening through the museum’s Facebook page.
“After three years of operation, the Fairytale Museum may close its doors permanently. The museum was created exclusively with funding from its founders who had a vision to create a truly alive space of creation and cultural development. In its three years of operation it is still upkept by its founders with personal sacrifices and savings.
“We gave our all to create an open space that interacts with both its visitors and the city, with the ultimate aim of rescuing and passing on the art of the fairytale and storytelling, one of the core elements of Cypriot intangible cultural heritage.
“But the Coronavirus crisis that brought about the full suspension of the museum’s operation is the final blow, rendering it impossible for us to support it financially any longer…Based on the current situation, we are sad to announce that the Fairytale Museum will not be operating in June,” Balomenou said in her Monday announcement, “but we are in discussions with various authorities in search of a way to rescue the museum. We are also open to any proposals. We, as its founders, are not claiming anything. We are willing to donate the museum to a public authority in order to ensure its sustainability so that it can continue serving its cultural purpose. We truly hope a ‘magical helper’ comes along to support it!”
Support has flooded in since then from local media and personalities as well as the general public.
“What a shame! I hope the good fairy godmother works her magic to save this wonderful fairytale place,” one commenter said.
“This isn’t fair. Especially after all you did during the lockdown. All the personalities who read the fairy tales should support you, the municipality should support you,” said another.
An online campaign has also been launched through Avaaz titled ‘Save the Fairytale Museum’ so far signed by around 1,500 people asking the Education Minister, Deputy Tourism Minister and the Nicosia Mayor to “take action, without delay, in order to find a permanent solution for covering the museum’s operating expenses so that it can continue performing its mission.”
