In a high-level event held on the evening of 24 November 2025 at the Presidential Palace, the project “Reform & Digitization of the Art Collection of the Presidential Palace”, titled “The World, the Place, the Word, the Matter”, was officially presented.

 

As part of this broader collaborative initiative, The Cyprus Institute, through the Virtual Environments Lab, made a substantial scientific and technological contribution. The Lab developed a virtual time machine that enables an interactive visit to the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Cyprus, showcasing its rich history from 1878 to the present day.

 

This application was based on extensive historical research on the architectural evolution of both the current Presidential Palace and the former Government House that once stood on the same site. The interactive application was implemented using three-dimensional documentation and representation of the building’s architectural features, construction details, and interior decoration. Cutting-edge techniques in 3D architectural modeling, reconstruction, and visualization were applied to create a new digital museological study, making use of a vast archive of historical documents and photographic collections from the Press and Information Office and other sources.

 

To inform the public, and with the generous support of the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, an interactive QR-code application was also developed. This tool allows visitors to the Presidential Palace to explore the rich collection of artworks displayed throughout the building.

 

Both digital applications were created by the team of The Cyprus Institute with the firm belief that the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage are vital for the development, stability, and prosperity of a country. Digital technologies serve as powerful tools for safeguarding and showcasing our history and culture, both to Cypriot citizens and to distinguished international visitors to the Presidential Palace.

 

The project was carried out at the initiative of First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, in collaboration with the Presidential Administration and the Press and Information Office.