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American University of Beirut Archaeological Museum: A Journey Through the Ancient Near East

Explore millennia of Near Eastern history at the American University of Beirut's Archaeological Museum, home to a vast collection of ancient artifacts.

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The American University of Beirut's Archaeological Museum, established in 1868, is the third oldest museum in the Near East. Its extensive collection offers a unique overview of the region's archaeology from the Stone Age to the Islamic period.

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Local tips

  • Entrance to the museum is free, but consider donating to support its ongoing work.
  • The museum is closed on weekends and during university holidays, so plan your visit accordingly.
  • Guided tours are available if requested in advance by emailing museum@aub.edu.lb.
  • A free audio guide is available at the museum entrance desk.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From anywhere on the AUB campus, follow the signs directing you to Post Hall, where the museum is located. The museum is near the Main Gate. Once at Post Hall, the entrance to the museum is easily visible.

  • Public Transport

    From Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, take a taxi or bus to Hamra. From Hamra, the AUB campus is easily accessible by foot or a short taxi ride. Once on campus, follow the signs to Post Hall.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Beirut. Ask the driver to take you to the American University of Beirut's Main Gate in Hamra. From there, it is a short walk to Post Hall within the university grounds. A taxi ride within Beirut typically costs around 600,000 LBP.

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Discover more about American University of Beirut Archaeological Museum

Founded in 1868, the American University of Beirut (AUB) Archaeological Museum is a treasure trove of Near Eastern history and culture. As the third oldest museum of its kind in the region, it boasts a rich collection of artifacts from Lebanon, Syria, Cyprus, Egypt, Palestine, Iraq, and Iran. The museum's story began with a gift of Cypriot pottery in 1868 and grew through donations, purchases, and excavations. Today, the museum houses over 100,000 objects, offering visitors a glimpse into the ancient world, from the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras to the Bronze Age, Roman period, and Islamic era. The collections are displayed chronologically and thematically, showcasing the evolution of pottery and the development of civilizations. Highlights include the Cesnola Collection of Cypriot pottery, a prehistoric collection featuring finds from Ksar Akil (including a 35,000-year-old skull), and displays of terracotta figurines illustrating the evolution of religious beliefs. The museum also exhibits artifacts from its own excavations at Tell el-Ghassil and Beirut Central District. The AUB Archaeological Museum is not just a repository of ancient objects; it's also an educational hub. The museum runs monthly lectures, hosts temporary exhibitions and children's activities, and is involved in ongoing excavations in Lebanon and Syria.

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