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What can you tell us about BeMA, its core vision and how it is contributing to the cultural landscape of Lebanon and the wider region?

BeMA aims to fill critical gaps in the local and regional art ecosystem by focusing on capacity-building in the arts. This includes training and creating job opportunities in fields such as art conservation and education. Through initiatives like public school programs, mentorship opportunities for Lebanese university students and designing masters programs in partnership with institutions such as ALBA, BeMA prioritizes education and professional development.

All these efforts stem from BeMA’s primary mission: to restore, research, digitize, and propagate the Lebanese Ministry of Culture’s collection of classical, modern and contemporary art. This collection, often referred to as “the people’s collection,” has never before been seen by the public. By making it accessible, BeMA ensures that this cultural treasure becomes a shared resource, fostering a deeper connection between Lebanon’s art heritage and its people while positioning the country as a key player in the regional art scene.

The future BeMA building will be a purpose-built museum located on the land of USJ (Saint Joseph University), and it will operate as a teaching museum in collaboration with the university. This ensures that education and training remain at the core of BeMA’s vision and mission, catering to local and regional needs while establishing a dynamic environment for learning and artistic growth.

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What initiatives does BeMA undertake to engage with local communities, especially in promoting art education and accessibility?

The program we are most proud of is our public school program, which began in 2017 and has since expanded to reach 20 schools across Lebanon. We initiated this program because there is no formal art education in the official curriculum. Through this initiative, teachers are equipped not only to teach art but also to foster essential soft skills such as critical thinking, creativity and emotional expression. The program has now extended to community centers and, in response to the current crisis, will include training teachers in art therapy.

By highlighting artworks and artists from the Ministry of Culture’s collection, we make Lebanese art accessible and promote familiarity with a shared cultural heritage. To further enhance accessibility, we are also launching a database featuring the collection, which will be available to the public and researchers alike, ensuring broader engagement and academic exploration of Lebanon’s artistic legacy.

In addition to these educational and digital initiatives, BeMA organizes exhibitions and activates spaces across Lebanon with a decentralized approach, ensuring that art reaches communities beyond traditional urban hubs. One exciting upcoming project is our traveling exhibition Unfolding Landscapes, set to launch in 2025, which will bring art directly to communities across the country. These efforts reflect our commitment to accessibility, education and preserving Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage.

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What challenges does BeMA face in preserving art and heritage?

BeMA faces significant challenges in preserving art and heritage, including Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis, limited conservation resources, inadequate infrastructure, and the inaccessibility of the Ministry of Culture’s collection to the public and researchers. Political instability and the migration of skilled professionals further hinder long-term strategies in the cultural sector. However, BeMA is actively working to reverse the brain drain by creating opportunities for local talent. One example is our collaboration with AUB and USJ science labs, encouraging scientists to find work in art conservation, merging scientific expertise with cultural preservation. Through these efforts, alongside capacity-building initiatives, digitization and the development of a purpose-built teaching museum, BeMA is ensuring the protection and accessibility of Lebanon’s cultural heritage for future generations.

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How did the “Portals and Pathways” exhibition come about and what can you tell us about it?

BeMA was invited by the Nuhad Es-Said (NES) Pavilion to organize its inaugural exhibition, Portals and Pathways, a collaboration that aligns with a shared mission to safeguard Lebanon’s cultural heritage. The exhibition features works from the national collection, restored by BeMA and shown publicly for the first time, in dialog with contemporary Lebanese artists and borrowed pieces from private collections. It explores themes of memory, myths, perception and territory, reflecting the complexities of identity and Lebanon’s deep connection to its land and history.

Inspired by Maurice Chehab’s efforts in the 1980s to protect Lebanon’s heritage, the exhibition is also tied to the discovery of protective portals beneath cement during the pavilion’s construction. Architect Raed Abillama, inspired by these portals, designed the pavilion entrance to evoke this protective imagery, honoring Chehab’s legacy.

Coincidentally, the exhibition opened on the day the war started. This timing underscored the exhibition’s central theme — how art and heritage persist, offering identity, hope and continuity in the face of adversity. Despite the circumstances, it became a symbol of cultural strength and the vital role of art in preserving national memory and identity through crises.

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When will you be opening the museum and what can we expect?

The BeMA museum is set to begin construction in 2025, with an expected inauguration by 2029, barring any unforeseen delays. Located strategically opposite the National Museum, it will continue the thread of Lebanon’s rich art history, creating a new cultural anchor on the emerging “Museum Mile.”

Designed by internationally renowned Lebanese architect Amale Andraos and her firm, Workac, the museum will serve as a vibrant public space, uniting universities, schools, private and government offices, as well as local communities. Although a private initiative, BeMA carries a national mission to preserve and promote Lebanon’s cultural heritage.

One of the museum’s most exciting features will be its vertical sculpture garden, offering an immersive experience that blends art and nature. In addition, a large public garden will provide a serene space for relaxation and reflection. Designed as a landmark institution, the BeMA museum will be an inclusive, interactive cultural hub, bringing people together to celebrate Lebanon’s heritage and engage in meaningful cultural dialog.

 

The “Portals and Pathways” exhibition at Nuhad Es-Said Pavilion for Culture runs until 25 January, from 10 am – 5 pm daily (excluding Mondays).