One of the oldest archaeological museums in the Middle East, on the AUB campus.
The AUB Archaeological Museum, founded in 1868, is one of the oldest archaeological museums in the Middle East and sits inside the leafy campus of the American University of Beirut. Its collection includes Phoenician glass, coins, Roman-era sculptures, anthropoid sarcophagi and pottery from across Lebanon. The museum is small and a visit takes about an hour, but the campus itself is pleasant for walking, with a seafront promenade and old stone buildings. Visitors usually enter through the Main Gate on Bliss Street and may be asked for ID. The museum has had opening-hour changes, so check the AUB website before visiting. Hamra Street, with its cafes, lies right outside the gate.
| Admission | Reported free; photo ID may be needed at the campus gate |
|---|---|
| Hours | Weekdays during the daytime; campus entry via the Main Gate; confirm at aub.edu.lb |
| Typical visit | 45 to 60 minutes |
| Best time | Weekday mornings |
| Getting there | Walk from Hamra Street (10 minutes); taxi to the AUB Main Gate on Bliss Street |
| Address | Bliss Street, American University of Beirut, Hamra, Beirut |
Location
Bliss Street, American University of Beirut, Hamra, Beirut
33.9000, 35.4814 View on map
Highlights
- Phoenician glass and sculpture
- Founded in 1868
- Leafy campus and seafront
- Next to Hamra Street
Tips for visiting
- Bring photo ID for the campus gate.
- Check AUB's website for current opening days.
- Allow time to walk the campus.
- Combine with a Hamra Street lunch.
When to visit
Weekday mornings.
Accessibility
Campus paths are mostly paved; some museum rooms have steps.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is it free?
Reported free, but check before visiting.
Do I need ID?
Often yes at the gate.
Is the campus open to visitors?
Yes, in daytime, subject to gate rules.