1. BEIRUT NATIONAL MUSEUM
Built in the 1930s, the Beirut National Museum is the only one of its kind to exhibit ancient artifacts discovered on Lebanese territory. Considered to be among the richest museums in the Middle East, its precious objects tell the story of people and civilizations that conquered Lebanon and lived there, from prehistory to the 19th century.
BEIRUT NATIONAL MUSEUM
Although the museum suffered severe damage during the Lebanese Civil War, thorough renovation was undertaken in the 1990s to restore it to its former glory. Today, the museum offers visitors the chance to travel back in time as they explore its three floors packed with hundreds of antiquities, including sarcophagi, mosaics, jewelry, coins, ceramics and woodwork.
Entrance: 5,000 LBP (adults), 1,000 LBP (students and under 18s)
Hours: Tue-Sun (excluding public holidays) from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Museum St., 01 426703, beirutnationalmuseum.com
2. LEBANESE PREHISTORY MUSEUM
Inaugurated in 2000, the Lebanese Prehistory Museum showcases the result of extensive research conducted by the Jesuit order into prehistoric periods in Lebanon.
Occupying two floors, the museum houses an exceptional collection of animal and human bones, Neolithic pottery, stone tools and other ancient items recovered from over 400 archaeological sites.
LEBANESE PREHISTORY MUSEUM
Entrance: 5,000 LBP (adults), 3,000 LBP (students)
Hours: Tue-Fri from 8:30 AM to 3 PM (Saturday upon request).
Saint Joseph University St., Achrafieh, 01 421860/2, usj.edu.lb
3. MIM: THE MINERAL MUSEUM
Showcasing more than 1,400 minerals and gems from over 60 countries, Mim is home to Salim Edde’s private collection.
Considered one of the world’s paramount private collections for the variety and quality of its minerals, visitors are taken on an interactive journey to learn more about the science behind mineralogy.
MIM: THE MINERAL MUSEUM
Entrance: 6,000 LBP (adults), 3,000 LBP (university students). Free for under 12s.
Hours: Tue-Sun from 10 AM to 1 PM and from 2 PM to 6 PM.
USJ, Damascus St., 01 421672, mim.museum
4. BANQUE DU LIBAN (BDL) MUSEUM
Displaying an impressive collection of local and foreign currencies as well as rare and valuable ancient banknotes and coins, the museum captures a rich history covering the Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Islamic and Crusaders periods.
BANQUE DU LIBAN (BDL) MUSEUM
In addition, it boasts a complete collection of 280 original Lebanese banknotes dating back to 1919.
Entrance: Free
Hours: Tue-Thu from 8:30 AM to 1 PM, Fri-Sat from 8:30 AM to noon (excluding public holidays).
Banque Du Liban, Bloc A, Ground Floor, Hamra, 01 750000 ext. 6020, bdl.gov.lb
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