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National Museum of Beirut: A Journey Through Lebanese History

Explore Lebanon's ancient past at the National Museum of Beirut, showcasing millennia of history and culture through its vast archaeological collections.

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The National Museum of Beirut is the primary archaeological museum in Lebanon, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts that narrate the country's history from prehistoric times to the Mamluk period. Despite suffering damage during the Lebanese Civil War, it has been restored and now displays around 1,300 artifacts, offering insights into the region's rich cultural heritage.

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Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday to avoid large crowds and have a more intimate experience with the artifacts.
  • Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and special events that may coincide with your visit.
  • Photography restrictions may apply in certain areas, so be sure to check the current regulations before your visit.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The National Museum of Beirut is accessible via Beirut's public bus system. Inquire about bus routes that pass near the museum or along Damascus Street and request a stop at the nearest point. Bus fare is approximately 2,000 LBP.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Beirut and can provide a direct route to the museum. Most taxi drivers are familiar with the location. A short taxi ride within Beirut will typically cost around 10,000 LBP.

  • Walking

    If you are already in central Beirut, walking to the museum is a viable option. From Banque Du Liban Museum, it is approximately a 12-minute, 1 km walk.

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Discover more about National Museum of Beirut

The National Museum of Beirut, officially opened in 1942, stands as a testament to Lebanon's rich and complex history. The museum's collection began after World War I, and it quickly became the principal museum of archaeology in the country. Designed by architects Antoine Nahas and Pierre Leprince-Ringuet, the museum building itself is a blend of modern and traditional Lebanese architectural elements. The museum houses approximately 100,000 objects, with around 1,300 currently on display. These artifacts, primarily antiquities and medieval finds, originate from excavations across Lebanon. The exhibits are arranged chronologically, starting with prehistoric items and ending with the Ottoman era, providing a comprehensive overview of the region's cultural evolution. Visitors can explore artifacts from various periods, including the Prehistoric era with early tools and pottery, the Bronze Age featuring the Sarcophagus of King Ahiram, and the Iron Age showcasing Phoenician ceramics and sculptures. The Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods are also well-represented, with mosaics, statues, jewelry, and coins on display. During the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), the museum was situated on the front line, resulting in significant damage to the building and its collection. However, many artifacts were saved through preemptive measures, and the museum has since undergone major renovations, reopening to the public in 1999. Today, the National Museum of Beirut serves as an educational institution, a research hub, and a cultural landmark, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts from around the world.

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