Cyprus cabinet approves transfer of Rialto Theatre to Limassol Municipality

On October 13, 2026, the Cyprus Council of Ministers officially approved the final acquisition of the historic Rialto Theatre building by the state. Following this acquisition, the government sanctioned the long-term lease of the facility to the Limassol Municipality, under terms consistent with those typically applied to properties transferred to local government authorities.

Deputy Minister of Culture Clea Papaellina confirmed that the decision includes a framework for the theatre's future governance, operations, and funding. The Limassol Municipality is now authorized to initiate procedures for the appointment of a new board of directors, with the goal of fostering synergies between the theatre and municipal cultural organizations. Regarding the workforce, the board of directors and the municipal authorities will manage the status of the 12 permanent employees currently working at the Rialto.

This decision follows persistent requests from the Limassol Municipality and strong advocacy from various local stakeholders, who sought to secure the theatre's future as a primary cultural pillar of the city. The formal handover marks the conclusion of a lengthy process aimed at integrating the historic venue, located at Heroes' Square, into the municipality's administrative and cultural portfolio. Future steps include finalizing the specific terms of the lease agreement and administrative transition.