Beirut's Ex-Abandoned Mansion Beirut
Your vintage home
Rayan from Beirut
Located in one of Beirut's oldest areas, Zuqaq al-Blat, this beautiful villa-mansion has been there for many years since the 1930s, yet was abandoned during the civil war. 6 years ago, the mansion was bought by 2 Lebanese that wanted to bring the mansion alive again by turning into a place for the community.
The community that has been going in and out of this mansion are artists, architects, designers, writers, musicians, fashion designers, dancers etc -- basically a community of artists enjoying their art space. In the whole mansion, there is only one person living there permanently and he is a Syrian writer; the rest of the rooms are rented out to outsiders who come for events, exhibitions and workshops. In fact, renting a desk of your own literally costs just 25 US dollars per month, which is very affordable.
I personally loved this mansion for its uniqueness, its vintage feeling and its history. It is open for the public and for anyone that wants to just come by and chill. Anyone can come to work, write, chat and basically just have a moment to enjoy.
Also, the whole area is full of old buildings that are nice to walk around and look at.
Beirut Spotter Rayan
About this spot
Abdul Kader
- Mon - Sat 08:00 - 19:00
LBP
no-price
Our Beirut City Guide
Find your way with 179 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Beirut
Al Makari Sweets
A disappearing Beiruti dessert
"Al Makari Sweets" in Beirut makes authentic mufata'a dessert. It's hard to make, thus it's hard to find, but they make it like my grandma used to...
by
Najat
Kibbi
Sugar Shake
A hidden shakes destination
At "Sugar Shake" right behind Beit Beirut Museum, you will be served one of the freshest and tastiest smoothies & frozen yogurts you can have in the city!
by
Samira
Ezzo
Le Mikado
My go-to flower shop
"Le Mikado" in Beirut has been providing customers with (dried) flowers and arrangements since the '50s. I just love their display outside the shop...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Kalei
Specialty coffee in Ras Beyrouth
"Kalei" isn't just one of my favorite specialty coffee spots in Beirut - the building it occupies has been around since the 1800s, and you can tell!
by
Samira
Ezzo
Liza
A fancy dining spot
"Liza" in Beirut in the 19th-century palace is the place to go if you want to dine luxuriously with a menu and presentation that are 'lavishly perfect'...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Mansion
20th-century public space
"Mansion" Blatt in Beirut is a 20th-century villa that's been turned into a shared coworking & creative space used by designers, artists, architects & more.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Assabil
My haven away from chaos
My favorite "Assabil" Public Library in Beirut is in Monnot. It's always active with events, whether virtual or real-life ones and full of youth!
by
Samira
Ezzo
Crypt Museum
Underneath a cathedral
An exciting part of this museum is that at some point, if you look up, you'll be looking through a glass ceiling that shows the church right above you.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Garden of Forgiveness
Cardo and Decumanus Maximus
The "Garden of Forgiveness" in Beirut is a vast space that was properly unveiled during excavations after the Civil War. Come observe its beauty & history.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Barzakh Bookshop
Reclaiming Hamra's Identity
"Barzakh Bookshop" in Beirut is the ultimate definition of a hidden gem. It's a cultural melting pot of literary rebels from around the world...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Beit Beirut
Beirut's museum of memory
"Beit Beirut", or the Yellow Building, has been standing since 1924. It survived the Civil War and is now used as a center for exhibitions & events...
by
Samira
Ezzo
L'Artisan du Liban
Souvenir shop made in Lebanon
"L'Artisan du Liban" is a social movement in Beirut that's keeping local art and artisans alive. I usually buy gifts for my locals friends here...
by
Viera
Obeid
Heading to Beirut?
179 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Beirut?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 179 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Beirut
Get to know our other Spotters from Beirut
As featured on:
