Background

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

Explore millennia of Near Eastern history at AUB's Archaeological Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts from Stone Age to the Islamic era.

4.6

The AUB Archaeological Museum, established in 1868, is the third oldest museum in the Near East. Showcasing artifacts from Lebanon, Syria, Cyprus, and beyond, it offers a captivating overview of the region's history from the Stone Age to the Islamic Period.

A brief summary to American University of Beirut Archaeological Museum

Local tips

  • Entrance to the museum is free, but it's closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and official holidays.
  • Check out the museum's gift shop for unique souvenirs.
  • Consider emailing the museum in advance to arrange a guided tour.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the main gate of AUB, walk straight, then turn right. The museum will be on your right.

  • Public Transport

    Take a local minibus to Hamra. From Hamra, walk to AUB's main gate. Then walk straight, then turn right. The museum will be on your right. A single bus fare is approximately 1,000-2,000 LBP.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Beirut. Ask the driver to take you to the American University of Beirut (AUB). Once inside the campus, follow the signs to the Archaeological Museum. A short taxi ride within Beirut typically costs 20,000-25,000 LBP.

Unlock the Best of American University of Beirut Archaeological Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about American University of Beirut Archaeological Museum

Founded in 1868, the American University of Beirut (AUB) Archaeological Museum stands as a repository of Near Eastern history, art, and culture. It is the third oldest museum in the Near East after Cairo and Constantinople. The museum's collections provide a unique overview of the archaeology of the region, spanning from the Early Stone Age to the Islamic Period. The museum's collection began with a donation of Cypriot pottery in 1868. Over the years, it has grown to include artifacts from Lebanon, Syria, Cyprus, Egypt, Palestine, Iraq, and Iran. The collections are organized chronologically and thematically, displaying the evolution of pottery and other artifacts. Key highlights include the Cesnola Collection of Cypriot pottery, prehistoric artifacts from the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, and the Ksar Akil collection, showcasing a stratigraphic sequence of flint tools. Visitors can also explore terracotta and metal figurines, Bronze Age artifacts displaying early writing and trade, Iron Age relics, and Phoenician glass. The museum also displays funerary reliefs from Palmyra and a Byzantine mosaic. The museum has been involved in archaeological research, including excavations at Tell el-Ghassil in the Beqaa Valley and in downtown Beirut. The museum building was renovated in 1999 and reopened in 2006 with modern display cases, lighting, and climate control. Today, the museum continues to serve as an educational hub, hosting workshops, lectures, and exhibitions.

Popular Experiences near American University of Beirut Archaeological Museum

Popular Hotels near American University of Beirut Archaeological Museum

Select Currency