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Nicolas Sursock Museum: A Beirut Art Sanctuary

Explore modern & contemporary art in a historic Beirut villa. Discover Lebanese and international masterpieces at the Sursock Museum.

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Housed in a stunning early 20th-century villa, the Nicolas Sursock Museum is a premier destination for modern and contemporary art in Beirut. The museum showcases a diverse collection of Lebanese and international works, offering a rich cultural experience in a historic setting.

A brief summary to Nicolas Sursock Museum

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events before your visit.
  • Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid the larger crowds typically seen on weekends.
  • The museum is located a few steps from Gemmayzeh Street, known for its lively atmosphere and trendy cafes.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Nicolas Sursock Museum is located a short walk from Gemmayzeh Street (Gouraud Street), a well-known area in Beirut. From Gemmayzeh Street, head northeast towards the Greek Orthodox Archbishopric Street. The museum is located 40 meters to the left of the top of the Saint Nicolas stairs. The walk is approximately 1.3 km and should take around 16 minutes. This option is free.

  • Public Transport

    Public transportation is available in Beirut, with buses and service taxis offering affordable options. From various points in Beirut, take a bus or service taxi heading towards Gemmayzeh or Achrafieh. Get off near Saint Nicolas stairs and walk 40 meters to the museum. Bus fares typically range from LBP 70,000 to LBP 100,000 (USD 0.78 to USD 1.12). Service taxis, which are shared taxis, cost around LBP 2,000 to LBP 4,000 (USD 1.33 to USD 2.66) per person for short trips.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Beirut. Request a taxi to the Nicolas Sursock Museum on Greek Orthodox Archbishopric Street in Achrafieh. The fare for a short taxi ride within the city typically costs around EUR 6 (LBP 9,990). App-based taxis like CTaxi may have different fare structures, with a base fare plus a per-kilometer charge. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting the trip, as many taxis do not use meters.

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Discover more about Nicolas Sursock Museum

The Nicolas Sursock Museum, officially known as the Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock Museum, is a beacon of art and culture located in the Achrafieh district of Beirut. The museum is housed in a private villa built in 1912 by Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock, a Lebanese aristocrat and art enthusiast, who bequeathed his home to the city of Beirut to be used as a museum after his death in 1952. His vision was to support and promote Lebanese and international artists, fostering the development of fine arts in his homeland. The museum's architecture is a blend of Lebanese design with Italianate and Ottoman influences, reflecting the Venetian styles prevalent during the period. It stands as one of the few remaining villas from its era in Beirut. The museum's collection includes modern art, Japanese engravings, and Islamic art, with over 800 artworks including paintings, sculptures, and graphic arts from the 19th and 20th centuries. Highlights include the Salon Arabe, which remains intact with its hand-carved woodwork imported from Damascus. Over the years, the Sursock Museum has played a significant role in Beirut's cultural scene, hosting over a hundred exhibitions showcasing both Lebanese and international artists. The museum has faced challenges, including damage from the Lebanese Civil War and, more recently, the Beirut Port explosion in 2020, which led to extensive restoration efforts. The museum reopened in May 2023, reaffirming its commitment to art and culture in Lebanon.

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