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.
Explore Beirut like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Beirut guide.
"Curl Book & Coffee Shop" is just what Beirut needs in such difficult times... Everything's local here & my favorite drink there is the Whimsical Latte...
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The "My Loves" Calligraffiti in Beirut is laid out on a 35m building by artist Belal Khaled shows the importance of graffiti as a true art form...
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"The Rose House" is one of the oldest mansions in Beirut, as it goes back to the 19th century. I love thinking of the stories it holds inside it...
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"Booza Society" in Beirut makes some of the best gelato I've ever tried! Who said you can only get good gelato in Italy?!
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"The Old Manara" (lighthouse) in Beirut has been standing still since 1957. I love how it makes me feel so small next to it...
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"Al Makan" in Beirut is the only place I'd call my second home. As a cultural & spiritual hub, its schedule is always full of activities & events...
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"The Egg" in Beirut was originally called City Center. Its once locked ruins gained new life in the 2019 revolution and became a public space thereafter...
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"The Grand Theatre" in Beirut has long stopped hosting plays and showing movies, but a lot of people discovered this landmark during the protests...
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"Luanatic" in Beirut takes inspiration from the city and offers games, mugs, notebooks, socks & other Beirut-inspired items...
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On the rooftop of the Three O'Nine hotel you'll find the charming Fool's Bar with a small pool and comfortable seating with high tables and chairs around.
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Artisan. Sourdough. Bread. Delivered to Beirut. I was sold! So my first order was 1 sourdough loaves mix (to taste the different flavors) and 1 focaccia...
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It's like walking inside a snuggled Aladdin cave full of gems, and you want to get your hands on all of them.
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178 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 178 Insider Tips from our local Spotters