Why should we be interested in the Olympic Games? Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, gave us the answer to this frequently asked question;
‘The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part; the important thing in life is not the triumph, but the fight; the essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well.’

In this spirit, the exhibition “Road to Paris” has been organised by the A. G. Leventis Gallery in collaboration with the Cyprus Olympic Committee and the Embassy of France in Cyprus – The French Institute of Cyprus on the occasion of the Olympic Games 2024 hosted in Paris this summer. The aim of the exhibition is to promote the Olympic ideal through culture.

The first section of the exhibition is a part of an interactive travelling exhibition from the National Sports Museum of Nice, entitled “Les Elles des Jeux” (The dames of the Games). The exhibition follows the struggle of women for recognition and equality through the Olympic Games.

The second section takes us on a journey through the history of the Olympic Games. It presents Pierre de Coubertin’s idea to revive the Olympic Games of Greek antiquity, which resulted in the Olympic Games becoming one of the most important organisations worldwide. It takes us through the major events that shaped the Games, focussing on the establishment of the Cyprus Olympic Committee and on significant performances and distinctions of Cypriot athletes both before and after the establishment of the Committee.

The journey concludes with a tribute to the Cypriot athletes who will represent Cyprus in Paris and will be a part of a greater idea: of Olympism and fair play.