Beit Beirut Beirut
Beirut's museum of memory
Samira from Beirut
Beit Beirut, or the Yellow building, has been standing since 1924 when a Lebanese couple, Nicolas and Victoria Barakat, assigned the Lebanese architect Youssef Afandi Aftimos to design the building.
After surviving the Lebanese Civil War that lasted for 15 years (1975-1990), the Lebanese architect, Dr. Mona Hallak, fought for the building to not be demolished and to be turned into a museum and an urban cultural center. Unfortunately, it is not a museum yet, knowing that there is not a single museum that discusses the Lebanese Civil War. It will stay open as a center for art exhibitions and cultural events.
As you pass by Beit Beirut, you will see the neon sign "Photo Mario" in the Arabic language, with some portraits of unknown faces. This non-stop exhibition shall always be part of the museum, because Photo Mario was the studio of a neighbourhood photographer located on the building's ground floor.
The city of Beirut needs a space that talks about the Lebanese Civil War in an objective manner. It makes it harder for Beit Beirut to come to life because there are various narratives from several political parties about the war that is shaping our current country's state.
Beirut Spotter Samira
About this spot
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
Tom & Mutz
The buzzing restaurant on Rue Armenia
"Tom & Mutz" in Beirut serves Italian-American dishes and let me tell you, their Truffle Pizza is the best pizza I've ever tried!
by
Samira
Ezzo
Linda Sursock
Life of the party
The late 19th-century Ottoman villa "Linda Sursock" in Beirut hosts events and is really awe-inspiring to visit inside and look from the outside as well.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Bn Coffee Bar
Specialty coffee
"Bn Coffee Bar" has always been one of my favorites in Beirut because it's open from 08:00! I love having my specialty latte after my morning Sunday walk.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Falafel Tabbara
Older than Great Lebanon
This current shop in Ras Beirut, Snoubra has been there since 1979, when Abou Ziad, the current owner, decided to move from main street Hamra...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Wissam Sargi Salon
Beauty Lounge & Clinics
At Wissam Sargi, you can pamper yourself every single day of the week. They do hair fashion for men, women, and children as well as makeup and facial care.
by
Marie-Chantale
Sundberg
Saj Al Balad
Fresh taste of Saj in Beirut
Whenever I crave some fresh breakfast outside, "Saj Al Balad" in Beirut comes to mind. The owner will make you feel most welcome whenever you visit!
by
Samira
Ezzo
West Beirut Calligraffiti
From chaos comes art
The "West Beirut Calligraffiti" is a work inspired by the famous movie. It's a reminder of the darkness of war and the kindness that can emerge...
by
Najat
Kibbi
Revolutionary Art Wall
Art of change
The "Revolutionary Art Wall" in Beirut was created in October 2019, during the revolution. Since then, the artists' message & creativity keep inspiring...
by
Najat
Kibbi
Tabbal Building
Traditional architecture
The "Tabbal Building" in Beirut is one of 800 heritage sites that were damaged in the 2020 blast. It's still an ideal location for art exhibitions...
by
Najat
Kibbi
Literature Wall of Fame
The giants of literature
The "Literature Wall of Fame" in Beirut was painted in 2020 during the quarantine & celebrates the giants of Arabic literature. This is my favorite quote.
by
Najat
Kibbi
Gouraud Street
Where the old meets the new
"Gouraud Street" adjacent to the St. Nicholas Stairs in Beirut is my safe place. I come here when I'm sad or happy, with friends, for coffee and a chat...
by
Najat
Kibbi
Heading to Beirut?
179 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 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:
