Discover Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage through these must-visit museums that offer a glimpse into the country’s history, art and traditions.

National Museum of Beirut

The National Museum of Beirut, established in 1942 and located on Museum Street in the heart of the city, is a gem for anyone interested in Lebanon’s heritage. For a collection of around 100,000 artifacts (Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine), it offers visitors a journey through time and reflects the country’s rich history.

The museum showcases items from ancient civilizations, providing a fascinating insight into the past. The building itself stands as a symbol of resilience, having endured through Lebanon’s turbulent times.

MIM Mineral Museum, Damascus Street, Beirut

Founded in 1997 and opened to public in 2004 by Salim Eddé, the MIM Mineral Museum in Beirut is a captivating sport for those curious about geology and natural history. This museum boasts a stunning collection of over 2,000 minerals from around the world, showcasing their diverse and unique beauty.

The museum also includes a section dedicated to fossils, adding another layer of interest. It features an array of fascinating fossils, each telling a story of ancient life. The museum employs cutting-edge technology such as holograms, auto-stereoscopic movies, and interactive games to vividly animate these ancient creatures.

The Sursock Museum, Achrafieh

Located on the Greek Orthodox Archbishopric Street in Achrafieh, the Sursock Museum is a highlight for modern and contemporary art enthusiasts. Housed in a beautiful villa that blends Italianate and Ottoman architecture, it offers visitors a glimpse into the creative spirit of Lebanon. The museum also hosts performances, exhibitions and cultural events, providing a dynamic environment for both artists and visitors.

The museum’s collection includes a variety of artworks, from paintings and sculptures to graphic arts, reflecting the diverse artistic heritage of the region. Recently, the museum has expanded its space to accommodate even more exhibits and activities, ensuring that there is always something new and exciting for visitors to explore.

Bank of Lebanon Museum, Hamra

The Bank of Lebanon Museum, located at Masraf Loubnan Street in Hamra, is a captivating destination for anyone interested in the country’s financial history. The museum offers a glimpse into the evolution of Lebanon’s currency and banking system through a range of exhibits, all of that for free.

Visitors can see various historical currencies, including old banknotes and coins, and learn about their significance. The museum features interactive experiences like simulation games and hands-on activities, making it easier for visitors to grasp the role of the central bank and the impact of monetary policies.

Memory of Time Museum, Jbeil

Memory of Time in Jbeil, Byblos, is a charming museum for people curious about ancient life. It showcases a fascinating collection of old fish fossils, showing a glimpse into prehistoric times. Visitors can explore a variety of these remarkable fossils, each telling a story from millions of years ago.

The museum welcomes visitors all week, and there’s no admission fee. Not only you get to explore the fossils on display, but the museum also provides the option to buy authentic pieces from their gift shop. It also organizes excavation trips to the Hakel fossil site so people can try to hand excavate themselves.

Gibran Museum, Bsharri

The Gibran Museum, located in Bsharri, is a tribute to the life and work of Gibran Khalil, the famous Lebanese writer, philosopher and artist. Nestled in the Monastery of Mar Sarkis, the museum offers a rich collection of his personal items, artwork and manuscripts.

It contains various rooms filled with the famous poet’s paintings and writings, so visitors can gain a deeper understanding of his profound contributions to literature and art. The museum also includes Gibran’s final resting place, making it a poignant destination for his admirers.

Bsous Silk Museum, Aley

The Bsous Silk Museum, originally a silk factory between 1901 and 1954 and then opened in 2000 as a museum, is situated near Wadi Chahrour in Lebanon and offers a deep dive into the history of silk production in the region. The museum vividly showcases the intricate journey of silk production, from nurturing silkworms to creating exquisite silk fabrics.

Visitors can watch live silkworms in action and explore exhibits featuring traditional and modern silk products. The museum also features interactive displays and demonstrations that bring the process to life, making it both educational and engaging. 

Open daily from May to October, the Bsous Silk Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage and the fascinating history of silk production

Beit Beirut Museum, Achrafieh

Located in Achrafieh, the Beit Beirut Museum is a powerful testament to Lebanon’s history and resilience. This unique space, housed in a building with a complex past, serves as a memorial and cultural hub, reflecting the city’s turbulent yet rich heritage.

The structure itself is a blend of traditional and modern architecture, with visible scars from the Lebanese Civil War that it endured. Now transformed into a museum, it hosts various art exhibitions and educational programs, all aimed at fostering reflection on Beirut’s past.

Beit Beirut is more than just a museum; It is a symbol of endurance and hope, offering visitors a chance to connect with the heart and soul of the city.

Museum of Lebanese Prehistory, Achrafieh

The Museum of Lebanese Prehistory, opened in June 2000 and located in Achrafieh, Beirut, offers an intriguing journey into Lebanon’s ancient times. This museum displays a variety of prehistoric artifacts, including tools, animal and human bones, poetry and fossils that have been recovered from archaeological sites since the 19th century.

The exhibits are designed to illustrate the culture and environment of prehistoric communities, offering a rich educational experience. They highlight key themes such as the invention of agriculture and the lifestyle of hunter-gatherers.

Soap Museum, Saida

Known as the Audi Soap Museum, the Soap Museum in Saida is a captivating place that delves into the art and tradition of soap-making. Acquired in the late 19th century, the Audi family and later turned into a family residence, the building was abandoned during the Lebanese Civil War in the 1980s then restored and opened as a museum in 2000.

It showcases the history and techniques of soap making, with exhibits including ancient artifacts discovered during the restoration. It also houses a section for the manufacturing process and a gift shop opened in 2019 in Beirut, where visitors can buy luxury soaps crafted by the Mahmud al-Sharkass family. The museum highlights Lebanon’s rich tradition in soap production and offers a glimpse into its historical development.

Nabu Museum, Chekka

The Nabu Museum, located on the Mediterranean coast in El-Heri, Chekka, showcases a diverse range of artifacts from the Bronze and Iron Ages, including Roman, Greek, Byzantine, Phoenician and Mesopotamian Cultures. Named after the Mesopotamian god of literacy, it houses an impressive collection of art, rare manuscripts and ethnographic materials.

Designed by artists Mahmoud Obaidi and Dia Azzawi, the museum features a flexible interior space designed to accommodate various exhibitions as well as an eye-catching weathering-steel exterior. Additionally, it includes a library with an extensive collection covering art, archaeology, history and geography and also offers educational programs, public figures, guided tours in order to celebrate the culture of Lebanon and connect with local and global audiences.

AUB Archaeological Museum, Beirut

Established in 1868 and opened in 2006, the AUB Archaeological Museum stands as a testament to the region’s rich historical heritage. Being the third oldest museum in the Near East, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore an extensive collection of artifacts from various ancient civilizations, including Lebanon, Syria, Cyprus, Egypt, Palestine, Iraq and Iran.

Situated in the American University of Beirut in Hamra, the museum offers free guided tours and audio guides, making it accessible to everyone interested in delving into the region’s past. Visitors interested in the rich archaeological history of the region can enjoy and experience virtually a 360- degree tour online.

Lebanese Marine and Wildlife Museum, Jeita

The Lebanese Marine and Wildlife Museum in Jeita is a remarkable destination for nature enthusiasts. Founded in 2001, his museum showcases an extensive collection of over 5,000 of marine and wildlife specimens with more than 2,000 species native to Lebanon, offering a deep dive into Lebanon’s natural heritage.

Visitors can marvel at a wide array of preserved species, including sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, birds, reptiles and mammals. Beyond its displays, the museum also collaborates with International organizations to promote the study and conversation of marine and wildlife. It’s an ideal spot for families and anyone passionate about nature, providing a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate Lebanon’s ecological treasures.

Mtein Museum of Arts, Mtein

The Mtein Museum of Arts is a delightful cultural haven in the village of Mtein, Lebanon. This museum celebrates the rich artistic heritage of the region, offering an eclectic collection of paintings, sculptures and photographs from both local and international artists.

Open to visitors on weekends and by appointment during the week, the Mtein Museum of Arts promises an inspiring experience for anyone eager to explore Lebanon’s artistic treasures.

Byblos Wax Museum, Byblos

The Byblos Wax Museum, situated in the historic city of Byblos, Lebanon, provides an engaging journey through Lebanon’s storied past. The museum features life-size wax figures that depict significant historical events, cultural practices and prominent figures from various eras, ranging from ancient Phoenician times to the modern day.

It’s an immersive experience that brings history to life, offering both educational insights and a captivating display for visitors.

Enjoy your trip!