1955-1959 troubles. In 1974 the museum closed again for over a year as a result of the invasion of the Turkish Army at which time collections were removed for safe keeping. Subsequently, the roof of the building was in urgent need of repair and work carried out from 1990 after Archbishop Chrysostomos offered to cover the expenses. New exhibitions opened to the public in April 1996 on completion of the renovations. In June 1999, the silk industry exhibitions were inaugurated in the first floor of the building. History of the building The museum site has a long and important history. In the 13th century, the area was controlled by the Lusignan rulers and a monastery constructed to provide a home for the order of the Benedictines. Their church was dedicated by Saint John of Bibi (St John the Evangelist). The Benedictines left Cyprus after 1426 when Barsbay, the Mamluk sultan of Egypt, subjugated the island. The monastery then past to the hands of the Greek Orthodox Church. The Greek church renovated the monastic buildings in a series of campaigns in the 15th and 16th centuries, a notable addition being a richly decorated arch with chevron mouldings. Above the inner Gothic-style door is a 16th-century fresco of the Annunciation, which bears the end of a Greek inscription. This was uncovered in 1950 and the fresco was conserved in 1995 by the Society and the Department of Antiquities. The building continued to be refurbished and developed in the 17th and 18th centuries, with earlier capitals and other architectural parts incorporated into the structure. Archbishop Kyprianos was actually taken from a room in the building to the place of his execution. On the first floor there is the room which was used by him and is known by his name. Hours of operation The museum is open Tuesday to Friday 9.00 to 16.00 and Saturday from 9.00-13.00. The entrance charge is €2.00. References External links Society of Cypriot Studies Cyprus Folk Art Museum Museums with year of establishment missing Museums in Nicosia Ethnographic museums in Asia Folk art museums and galleries Decorative arts museums National museums Gothic architecture in Cyprus