Rare collectibles epitomizing the diverse past, finds a place of pride in the National Museum of Beirut.
The National Museum of Beirut is one of the significant landmarks in the capital city of Lebanon. The history of the building and the valuable artifacts housed in the museum make it one of the famous tourist attractions of Beirut.
National Museum of Beirut- treasure house of rare artifacts
The varied collection of the National Museum of Beirut include the objects belonging from Prehistoric times till the 19th century. Showcasing the past of the country, the items on display include statues, sarcophagi, tools and weapons, coins, jewelery, ceramics, mosaics, woodwork and others. Each piece is related with the history and culture of Lebanon.
National Museum of Beirut- the opening hours and associated facilities
The National Museum of Beirut is open for visitors from 9.00 am till 5.00 pm, throughout the week except on Mondays and other holidays. A nominal entrance fee is charged to tourists. The museum also houses a Boutique which sells souvenirs and gift items including ceramics, silkscreen, jewels, glasswork, crafts, pottery, scarves, metalwork, figurines and books.
National Museum of Beirut- the first initiative
In 1919, a French Officer, Raymond Weill, started collecting various objects associated with the past of the country. The building of German Deaconesses housed the artifacts. The committee formed in 1923
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had the objective to construct a proper building for the museum. The architects appointed for the construction of the National Museum of Beirut were Antoine Nahas and Pierre Leprince Ringuet.
National Museum of Beirut- the beginning
The construction of the building commenced in 1930 and was finished within seven years. The official inauguration of the National Museum of Beirut by the then Lebanese President, Alfred Naccache, took place on May 27, 1942. The museum functioned under the directives of the Directorate General of Antiquities and showcased the archaeological objects excavated from various parts of Lebanon.
The closure of the National Museum of Beirut- a dark phase
The National Museum of Beirut witnessed a terrible phase during the Lebanese War which broke out in 1975. Located in close proximity of the line of fire between the opposing forces, the building suffered severe damage. The artifacts were placed in wooden cases and kept under concrete covers to ensure their safety. However, the lack of proper storage facilities led to the damage of various objects.
National Museum of Beirut- Restaurant and Renovation
Restoration work of the building as well as the artifacts belonging to the National Museum of Beirut began after the end of the war in 1995. Parts of the museum were opened for the public in 1997 but were again closed down in the following year. It was only on October 8, 1999, that this popular museum was finally opened for visitors.
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