Beit Beirut Beirut
Beirut's museum of memory
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.
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Marché Urbain
Hello My Loaf, Artisan Sourdough
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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Marie-Chantale
Sundberg
Ezzo for Antiques
For 30 years & counting
It's like walking inside a snuggled Aladdin cave full of gems, and you want to get your hands on all of them.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Beyt Sirena
Ras Beirut dining spot
"Beyt Sirena" is a coffeeshop in one of my favorite areas of the old Beirut. I love the vast floor-to-ceiling windows, and you should try their sahlab...
by
Lidija
Liegis
Aura Gems
Quirky Hamra gem & crystal shop
"Aura Gems", a kooky shop in a Hamra backstreet in Beirut, sells hundreds of different gems and crystals in all colours of the rainbow...
by
Lidija
Liegis
Das Küche
Sausages and beer
"Das Küche" is a must-visit spot in Beirut if you like real German or Polish sausages (more than 15 types!) and beer. Remember to bring cash!
by
Viera
Obeid
Ghazar restaurant & bakery
An Armenian hidden gem
The texture of these stuffed flatbreads is slightly crisp and flaky, with a hint of sweetness that you will seriously regret not trying...
by
Najat
Kibbi
The MIM museum
A mesmerizing stare
Located under USJ's grounds on Damascus street, this Museum is a must-go especially if you're a huge fan of stones and geology like myself!
by
Najat
Kibbi
Pool D'Etat
Summer Hangout Spot
Located on a rooftop in Hamra, Pool D'etat is an affordable pool by day and a very nice place to grab a drink or dinner by the pool at night...
by
Tala
Ladki
Onomatopoeia Beirut
The music hub
"Onomatopoeia Beirut" is a calm and cozy café that feels like home to everyone that visits, the space exists for all musicians and creatives to hang out...
by
Najat
Kibbi
Flat White
Coffee place in Pharoun Street
"Flat White" in Beirut with their modbar is the first presented in any coffee shop here in Lebanon! Great if you're a coffee geek...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Neighbourhood
The one with Beirut's coordinates
"Neighbourhood" in Beirut is a cafe that puts you among up-cycled furniture and a paster-color ambience. Come for a cup of their home-blend latte!
by
Samira
Ezzo
Gibran Khalil Gibran Garden
Hidden by cement
I enjoy going to "Gibran Khalil Gibran Garden" in downtown Beirut - I admire the sculptures done by Saloua Raouda Choucair and the trees & benches...
by
Samira
Ezzo
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179 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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