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Nicolas Sursock Museum: A Beirut Art Icon

Explore modern & contemporary art in a historic Beirut villa. Discover Lebanese & international artists at the iconic Nicolas Sursock Museum.

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The Nicolas Sursock Museum is a modern and contemporary art museum housed in a stunning early 20th-century villa in Beirut. Originally the private residence of Nicolas Sursock, the museum showcases a blend of Venetian and Ottoman architectural styles and plays a pivotal role in the city's cultural landscape.

A brief summary to Nicolas Sursock Museum

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events before visiting.
  • Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience and more personal interaction with the art.
  • Take time to explore the gardens and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere surrounding the museum.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Nicolas Sursock Museum is located in the Achrafieh district, a short walk from Gemmayzeh Street and Saint Nicolas Stairs. From Gemmayzeh, walk up the Saint Nicolas Stairs; the museum is located 40 meters to the left from the top of the stairs.

  • Public Transport

    Public transport options are available to reach the Achrafieh area. From major transport hubs in Beirut, take a bus or service taxi heading towards Achrafieh. Alight near Gemmayzeh Street or Saint Nicolas Church and walk to the museum. Cost: Bus or service taxi fares typically cost LBP 2,000 - 5,000 for a short trip.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Beirut. Ask the driver to take you to the Nicolas Sursock Museum in Achrafieh, near Gemmayzeh Street. Agree on the fare before starting your journey. Cost: A short taxi ride from downtown Beirut to the museum typically costs around LBP 9,990 - 19,800 (€6-€12) depending on the time of day and traffic.

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Discover more about Nicolas Sursock Museum

The Nicolas Sursock Museum, officially known as the Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock Museum, stands as a beacon of art and culture in Beirut's Achrafieh district. The museum is located a few steps away from Gemmayzeh Street. Housed in a magnificent villa built in 1912 by the aristocrat Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock, the museum exemplifies Lebanese architecture with its integration of Venetian and Ottoman elements. Nicolas Sursock, a passionate art collector, bequeathed his villa to the city of Beirut in 1952 with the stipulation that it be transformed into a museum. The museum opened in 1961 and has since been dedicated to showcasing modern and contemporary art, with a focus on Lebanese and regional artists. The museum's collection includes paintings, sculptures, and works on paper, providing a comprehensive view of the nation's artistic development. The museum also holds oriental artifacts such as Islamic and late Ottoman textiles. The Sursock Museum has faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including damage from armed conflicts and, more recently, the catastrophic Beirut port explosion in 2020. However, thanks to extensive restoration efforts, the museum reopened in May 2023 and continues to serve as a vital cultural hub. Besides its permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, and educational events.

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