7 Unique Museums To Check Out Around Lebanon

Though we love visiting the Beirut National Museum, we think it’s about time we switch things up and expand our museum horizons. Lebanon is home to many unique museums that contain more than just artwork and ancient artifacts, so let’s point you to some of the coolest museums around the country.

1. Billy Karam Museum, Zouk Mosbeh

Former Lebanese raving champion Nabil “Billy” Karam won multiple tournaments locally and internationally during his reign at the top of race car driving, so it only makes sense that he has a museum all to himself. Some of the cars are souvenirs and prizes from his racing wins, while the dioramas include 577 precisely designed deceptions of the war of the past.

2. Nabu, El Heri

The remarkable museum has an exceptional collection of artifacts from the Bronze and Iron Age that represent Roman, Greek, Byzantine, Phoenician and Mesopotamian, and contemporary Lebanese cultures, in addition to rare manuscripts and ethnographic material. It also boasts a magnificent seafront view that will make your visit all the more enjoyable.

3. Marine & Wildlife Museum, Jeita

With over 5,000 specimens and over 2,000 species native to Lebanon, the Marine & Wildlife Museum has six different exhibitions on mammals, birds, reptiles, minerals, seashells, and marine life. Fun for kids and adults!

4. BDL Museum, Hamra

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The BDL Museum is the first money museum in Lebanon. It displays some of the oldest local currencies that existed in Lebanese history. That includes Ottoman and Lebanese banknotes dating back to 1919, as well as coins that date back to 5th century BC.

5. The Crypt Museum, Downtown Beirut

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Did you know that below Beirut’s Saint George Orthodox Cathedral lies a hidden museum? The Crypt Museum will let you dig through centuries of history, from the Byzantines to the Mamluks hiding under there.

6. The Soap Museum, Saida

The Soap Museum in Saida was built in back in the 17th century as a soap workshop. The museum features traces of soap-making history from the region. It includes a historical section that introduces artifacts like clay pipe heads and pottery fragments dating back to that period.

7. The AUB Archeological Museum, Bliss St.

The archeological museum located on AUB campus was founded back in 1868 and is one of the oldest museums in the region. The museum contains archaeology from the Near East, from the Early Stone Age to the Islamic Period. Collections feature findings from Lebanon, Syria, Cyprus, Palestine, Egypt, Iraq, and Iran.

Did we miss any unique museums? Stay updated with the #Museums section on our website.