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Robert Mouawad Private Museum: A Glimpse into Lebanon's Past

Discover a world of art, jewelry, and history in a stunning neo-gothic palace in the heart of Beirut. A cultural gem!

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The Robert Mouawad Private Museum, located in Beirut's Zokak el-Blat quarter, is a stunning showcase of art, jewelry, and historical artifacts. Housed in the neo-gothic palace built in 1891 by Henri Philippe Pharaoun, the museum reflects a mix of artistic oriental and occidental cultures. Visitors can explore a diverse collection, including rare books, Chinese porcelain, ceramics, and precious stones.

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Local tips

  • Photography is not allowed inside the museum, but feel free to take photos in the beautiful gardens.
  • Check the museum's website or call ahead to confirm opening hours, as they may vary.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collection.
  • Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the artifacts on display.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Robert Mouawad Private Museum is located in the Zokak el-Blat area of Beirut, easily accessible on foot from many downtown locations. From Nejmeh Square, walk southwest along Rue Maarad, then turn left onto Rue de l'Armée. The museum will be on your right. Walking from Nejmeh Square takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Beirut has a public transportation system consisting of buses and service taxis. From most major points in Beirut, you can take a bus or service taxi towards downtown Beirut. Ask to be dropped off near Nejmeh Square or the Grand Serail, from where you can walk to the museum. Bus fares are around 75,000 LBP. Service taxis charge around 150,000 LBP within Beirut.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Beirut. Simply ask your driver to take you to the Robert Mouawad Private Museum in Zokak el-Blat. Agree on a fare before starting your journey. A standard taxi trip within the city should cost around €6 (LBP 600,000) during the daytime. App-based taxis like CTaxi are also available.

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Discover more about Robert Mouawad Private Museum

Nestled in the heart of Beirut, the Robert Mouawad Private Museum offers a captivating journey through Lebanon's rich cultural heritage. The museum is housed in a stunning neo-gothic palace, originally built in 1891 by Lebanese politician and art collector Henri Philippe Pharaoun. In 1999, Robert Mouawad, a Lebanese businessman and jeweler, acquired the palace and transformed it into a museum, which opened its doors to the public in 2006. The museum's collection reflects a mix of artistic influences from both the East and West. Visitors can admire a diverse array of artifacts, including Byzantine mosaics, Roman marble sculptures, and ancient weaponry. The museum also boasts a remarkable collection of Islamic pottery, Chinese porcelain, and rare books and manuscripts. Two rooms showcase Chinese porcelain that traveled the Silk Road between the 15th and 19th centuries. One of the museum's highlights is its exquisite collection of jewelry and precious stones. As Robert Mouawad headed the famous Mouawad jewelry empire, the museum displays antique jewelry, including watches, bracelets, tiaras, rings, cufflinks, and necklaces dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. Also featured is a replica of Mouawad's 2007 Very Sexy Holiday Fantasy Bra Gift Set, valued at US$4.5 million. The dining room displays the sketch made by Henri Pharaoun and other Lebanese leaders of what would effectively become the national flag of Lebanon. The palace itself is an architectural marvel, featuring ornate woodwork, frescoed ceilings, and artistic mosaics. The interior includes original wood paneling dating from the 14th to 19th centuries. The lush gardens surrounding the museum provide a tranquil escape from the bustling city.

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