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

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.