Lebanon's national archaeology museum, home of the Ahiram sarcophagus and a restored lower-level crypt gallery.
The National Museum of Beirut is Lebanon's principal archaeological museum, a 1930s Egyptian-revival building that stood on the Green Line during the civil war. Curators encased heavy pieces in concrete to protect them, and the museum reopened in stages between 1997 and 1999. About 1,300 objects are displayed from roughly 100,000 in the collection, running from prehistoric flint tools through Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine and early Islamic Lebanon. The star is the sarcophagus of King Ahiram of Byblos, carrying one of the oldest examples of the Phoenician alphabet. The lower floor holds anthropoid sarcophagi, a reconstructed Roman tomb from Tyre and naturally mummified remains. A short film on the wartime rescue plays roughly hourly. Because the closing time is early afternoon, arrive at opening.
| Admission | Small paid ticket, cash only; reduced rate for students and Lebanese residents. Budget about $5 (about 450,000 LBP) as a planning figure and confirm at the desk |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tuesday to Sunday, roughly 10:00 to 14:00 or 15:00; closed Mondays and public holidays (listings disagree, confirm the day before) |
| Typical visit | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Best time | Right at opening, Tuesday to Thursday |
| Getting there | Taxi or ride-hail to 'Mathaf' (about 10 minutes from Downtown); service taxis run along Rue de Damas; parking nearby is difficult |
| Address | Rue de Damas (Museum Street), Mathaf, Beirut |
Location
Rue de Damas (Museum Street), Mathaf, Beirut
33.8785, 35.5155 View on map
Highlights
- Ahiram sarcophagus with early Phoenician inscription
- Lower-level sarcophagi and Roman tomb from Tyre
- Short film on the wartime rescue of the collection
- Phoenician and Roman marble statuary
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at opening; the doors close early afternoon and listings disagree on 14:00 versus 15:00.
- Bring cash in US dollars or Lebanese pounds; card payment at the desk may not work.
- Ask for an audio guide at the desk if one is available.
- Check the museum's Facebook page the day before, since it is closed Mondays and on public holidays.
- Allow about 45 minutes for highlights only.
When to visit
Weekday mornings just after opening; weekends and school-trip days are busier.
Accessibility
Lifts serve all floors and the galleries are flat, but pavements around the museum are uneven.
Frequently asked questions
Which day is the museum closed?
Mondays and public holidays.
How long does a visit take?
Plan 1.5 to 2 hours, or about 45 minutes for the highlights.
Is photography allowed?
Photography without flash is generally tolerated in the galleries; follow signs and any attendant's instruction.