If you’re an art lover or history buff, there are some brilliant places to explore in Keserwan. As USAID’s Trade and Investment Facilitation (TIF) project is working to raise the profile of the district and improve its tourism offering, we uncover seven fantastic museums and art spaces in Keserwan.
Billy Karam Museum
Founded by former Lebanese race car champion Nabil “Billy” Karam, the Billy Karam Museum showcases a unique collection of mini sports cars, classic cars, civil and military models, tanks and missiles used in battles, ships, boats, steamers, cups, medals and hats collected from around the world. The museum, spread over 1,500 meters, comprises two floors and boasts thousands of models. It has become a popular tourist destination for visitors of all ages. Karam’s collection of mini cars and models currently stands at 37,777, and he has entered the Guinness Book of Records for the largest collection of mini sports cars.
Sea Road, Jounieh, +961 3 734 318
Opening Hours: Wednesdays and Fridays, 4 pm – 6 pm
Domaine Rudy Rahme
Nestled beside the Nahr El Kalb river, Domaine Rudy Rahme is a magical art space, atelier and garden that features the magnificent sculptures of renowned artist, sculptor, poet and writer Rudy Rahme. While Rahme’s private collection is located on the ground floor, the first-floor terrace and garden a boast an array of his larger bronze statues.
Elias Abou Chabake Museum
Elias Abou Chabakeh was one of the most prolific poets and writers of the early 20th century. He passed away at the age of 43 but left behind a vast body of poetry, prose and translations, in addition to thousands of newspaper articles covering a wide range of topics. His essays demonstrate a thorough understanding and command of foreign literature, particularly French literature. His home has been transformed into a museum and a cultural center dedicated to his life’s works.
Zouk Mikhael, +961 9 212 212
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm ; Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm
Lebanese Marine & Wildlife Museum
The Lebanese Marine and Wildlife Museum is a zoological museum that aims to teach and spread environmental awareness through its rich collection which includes mummified sharks, dolphins and sea turtles. It is one of the largest such museums in the Middle East, boasting over 5,000 specimens divided into six sections: mammals; birds; reptiles; minerals, gems and fossils; seashells; and marine life. Dr. Jamal Younes, who is the president and owner of the museum, collected over 90% of the museum’s specimens in Lebanon.
Mazzarat, Jeita, +961 3 246 317
Opening hours:
Winter: Monday to Sunday, 8 am – 7 pm
Summer: Monday to Sunday 8 am – 8 pm
Hall of Fame Museum
The Hall of Fame is not your typical museum. As the exhibits are made of silicone instead of wax, they can move and speak through animatronics. Visitors can expect to see everyone from Einstein to Elvis, making it a quirky destination for a fun afternoon.
Zouk Mosbeh, +961 9 225 202
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 am – 6 pm
Nadim Karam Museum (A.MUSEUM)
Located in the picturesque village of Daroun-Harissa, A.MUSE.UM is the art space and working studio of renowned Lebanese architect and artist Nadim Karam. The building, a converted 120-year-old traditional Lebanese stone house, features fair-faced concrete, corten steel and local limestone. The result is a triumph in design.
Daroun, +961 9 936 567
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am – 6 pm
USEK Archeological Museum
The USEK Museum, which is located within the grounds of the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), showcases a variety of archeological, artistic and historical artifacts. The museum houses more than 6,000 exhibits throughout history, including Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine treasures. It also includes a library, research center and exhibition spaces. The library’s conservation and restoration center plays a crucial role in preserving the old sacred collection by using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to ensure their longevity. This center’s efforts contribute to safeguarding the cultural heritage of Lebanon for future generations.
Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, +961 9 600 050/ +961 9 600 051
https://www.usek.edu.lb/museum
This article is part of a joint project to promote tourism destinations across Lebanon, launched by the Trade and Investment Facilitation (TIF) activity, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Hospitality Services. The content of this article is the sole responsibility of Hospitality Services, and does not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
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