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Beit Beirut: A Museum of Memory and Urban Culture

Explore Beirut's history and resilience at Beit Beirut, a museum and cultural center in the iconic Yellow House.

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Beit Beirut, also known as the Yellow House, is a museum and urban cultural center in Beirut, Lebanon, dedicated to the city's history, particularly the Lebanese Civil War. Housed in the restored Barakat Building, it stands as a testament to Beirut's resilience, blending historical preservation with contemporary cultural expression.

A brief summary to Beit Beirut - Museum and Urban Cultural Center

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events before your visit.
  • Take time to observe the building's exterior, where bullet holes and other war damage have been preserved as a reminder of the past.
  • Consider hiring a guide to learn more about the history of the building and its significance to the city.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Beit Beirut is located at the intersection of Independence Street and Damascus Road in the Sodeco neighborhood of Achrafieh. From many points in central Beirut, it's accessible by foot, though the walk can be lengthy depending on your starting point. Use a map app to guide you, keeping an eye out for the building's distinctive yellow facade.

  • Public Transport

    Beirut has a network of buses and shared taxis (called "service" taxis) that can get you close to Beit Beirut. Bus fares are around 75,000 LBP. Service taxis are a common way to get around, with fares around 150,000 LBP for a ride within Beirut. Check local transit apps or ask for directions to the nearest bus or service taxi route that serves the Sodeco area.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Beirut. A taxi ride to Beit Beirut from central locations will likely cost around 600,000 LBP. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your trip. Ride-sharing apps like Uber are also available, with fares that may vary depending on demand.

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Discover more about Beit Beirut - Museum and Urban Cultural Center

Beit Beirut, or the House of Beirut, stands as a poignant reminder of the city's complex past and a vibrant center for its cultural present. Housed within the Barakat Building, also known as the Yellow House for its ochre-colored sandstone, this museum and urban cultural center is dedicated to portraying the history of Beirut, with a particular focus on the Lebanese Civil War. Constructed in 1924 by Lebanese architect Youssef Aftimus and expanded in 1932 by Fouad Kozah, the Barakat Building originally served as a residential complex, embodying the urban growth of Beirut during the French Mandate period. Its strategic location on what became the Green Line, the demarcation line between East and West Beirut during the civil war, transformed it into a sniper base and a symbol of the city's division. Thanks to the efforts of architect and heritage activist Mona el-Hallak, the building was saved from demolition in the 1990s and later restored by the Municipality of Beirut. Today, Beit Beirut stands as a unique structure, blending its original domestic architecture with the "war architecture" created by snipers during the conflict. Bullet holes and sniper barricades have been preserved, bearing witness to the building's tumultuous past. The museum features a permanent exhibition on the history of Beirut from the 19th century onward, as well as temporary exhibitions, a media library, educational workshops, and an auditorium for debates and screenings. It serves as a space for reflection, dialogue, and cultural engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging visitors to question the past and envision the future of Lebanon.

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