Saida Soap Museum: A fragrant journey through Lebanese tradition

Nestled in the heart of Old Saida, the Soap Museum provides a sensory journey through the history of soap production in Lebanon. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century soap factory, originally built by the Hammoud family. The Audi family, who purchased the factory in the late 19th century, later transformed it into a museum in 2000. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the traditional methods of soap making, from the gathering of natural ingredients like olive oil and laurel oil to the blending and molding processes. The museum showcases antique tools, equipment, and artifacts that illustrate the evolution of the craft over centuries. Informative displays explain the chemistry and science behind soap making, while live demonstrations offer a hands-on experience. The Soap Museum also highlights the cultural significance of soap in Lebanese society, with exhibits on traditional bathhouses (hammams) and the use of soap in daily life. At the end of the tour, visitors can watch a documentary about the soap-making process. The museum shop offers a variety of locally produced soaps and bath products, as well as other regional items.