Bullet-scarred 1920s Barakat Building turned into a memory museum and cultural centre.
Beit Beirut, also called the Yellow House or Barakat Building, is a landmark apartment building completed in the 1920s at the Sodeco crossing. It stood on the Green Line during the civil war and was used by snipers, leaving its stone facade pitted with bullet holes. The building was saved from demolition and restored as a museum of memory and a cultural centre, opening to the public in stages from 2016. Access is often limited to exhibitions or events, so the interior is not always open to casual visitors. The facade can always be viewed from the street, and the building is a powerful example of Beirut's wartime scars. Consult beitbeirut.org for current hours before travelling specifically to visit.
| Admission | Varies by exhibition |
|---|---|
| Hours | Opens for exhibitions and events only; hours follow the current programme, check beitbeirut.org |
| Typical visit | 45 to 90 minutes |
| Best time | Weekday afternoons when an exhibition is on |
| Getting there | Taxi or ride-hail to Sodeco; Beit Beirut is on the corner of Damascus Road facing the old Green Line |
| Address | Damascus Road at the Sodeco intersection, Beirut |
Location
Damascus Road at the Sodeco intersection, Beirut
33.8870, 35.5084 View on map
Highlights
- Bullet-scarred 1920s facade
- Museum of memory and exhibition space
- Faces the former Green Line
- Good for architecture and history
Tips for visiting
- Check beitbeirut.org before going; the building is not always open.
- The facade is visible from the street at any time.
- Combine with the National Museum, about 10 minutes away by taxi.
- Pair with a coffee in nearby Achrafieh.
When to visit
Whenever an exhibition is scheduled.
Accessibility
Restoration works include lifts, but access may depend on the event.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is Beit Beirut always open?
No; it opens for exhibitions and events, so check its website.
Is it free?
Entry depends on the exhibition.
Why is the facade scarred?
It was a sniper position on the Green Line during the civil war.