Museums
A country rich in history must have a first class museum to exhibit some of the relics up to its long history. Such is the case with Lebanon which has seen more civilizations, creeds and cultures than virtually any other country. When it was built, it was on the outskirts of Beirut, but it has now been engulfed by the rapidly growing city and is surrounded by a pleasant residential area.
Approximately enough, opposite the Museum is a small garden with a partial reconstruction of a Roman colonnade found in Beirut, near Parliament, to get the visitor into the right mood for seeing the museum
The museum contains rare items of different civilizations. It contains priceless examples of the earliest alphabetical writing, a Phoenician invention Location: Rue de Damas (intersection of Avenue Fouad I).
SURSOCK MUSEUM
This Museum is one of the most important cultural centers of Beirut. The building, a mansion built in the 19th century, has a marvelous architectural design. It was donated by Mr. Nicholas Sursock to Beirut's Municipal Council. Visitors have to pass through the garden which is itself one of the Museum's main attractions. The museum is home to large collection of artwork, mostly Lebanese. The Museum holds an annual Fall/Winter exhibit for Lebanese artists. In the Fall of 96 and until the beginning of 97, some 142 Lebanese artists will exhibit their best work, many coming from Europe and North America. Location: Ashrafieh - Quartier Sursok.
THE MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT
Remember to bring a valid ID to get in the campus of the university which is described as on of the most beautiful college campuses of the world. The museum includes among its collection a fine display of Arab coins, many rare, some unique. Location: Bliss Street- on the campus of the American University of Beirut.
THE WAX MUSEUM - Byblos
The museum is an adventure through Lebanese history. It takes you back to the Phoenician Age and reflects its civilization (ships, pottery, glass...) and its legends (Adonis, Astarte, Cadmos.. ). The museum then explores more recent history moments. You find princes and their ways of living as well as important events up to independence. Location: Byblos - In front of the Citadel. Hours: 9 A.M-6 P.M.
BEITEDDINE MUSEUM
The museum is inside the Beiteddine Palace which is an architectural museum itself. The collections cover a lot of areas. It starts with the Phoenician era and ends with last's century antique pistols and furniture. Lebanese aspects of life in the 1800's is well presented ( clothes, houseware, rifles and swords...). Souvenirs Shop. Location: Beiteddine Palace - Shouf.
GIBRAN'S MUSEUM
Located at the bottom of the mountain, that overlooks the valley of saints (holly Valley). Gibran's museum was first a monastery. His coffin is placed in it which Gibran chose as his tomb. The Gibran National Committee runs the site. It was established in 1975. It contains 440 paintings of which 190 are exhibited To note that Gibran Khalil Gibran, the writer of The Prophet, was not only a poet, but also a philosopher, and an artist. He dealt with abstract issues such as God, Death and Love. Location: Besharre - North Lebanon
SAINT SHARBEL MUSEUM
The monastery of Annaya in the mountains above Byblos is a historical site. the museum redraws the life of Saint Sharbel in an interesting way. Tourists can visit the site and the museum for religious or cultural reasons. The scenes of the life of Saint Sharbel recreated give the visitor a glimpse at the life of villagers of the mountains during the last century. Saint Sharbel grew up in Bkaakafra, the highest village in the Middle East (1,980 meters). Location: Annaya - Jbeil Mountains
MOUSSA PALACE MUSEUM
The Palace has a special exhibit on Lebanese artwork and artifacts. Mr. Moussa, who built the museum himself, also created scenes from Lebanese peasant and noble life from past centuries. At the end of the tour you can sit in a real authentic old Lebanese setting and sip bitter coffee, the old style. A souvenir shop is available. Location: On the road between Deir-El-Qamar and Beiteddine - Shooff