Modern and contemporary art in a restored 1912 Venetian-Ottoman villa, reopened after the 2020 port blast repairs.
The Sursock Museum occupies the villa of collector Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock, built in 1912 and bequeathed to the city as an art museum. The port blast of 4 August 2020 wrecked the building and its stained glass, and after a multi-year restoration it reopened with expanded galleries, a library and an archive. The programme focuses on modern and contemporary art from Lebanon and the region, with changing exhibitions and the Salon d'Automne tradition, so the content differs from visit to visit. The villa itself, with its marble staircase and arched loggia, is worth seeing as an example of Beiruti domestic architecture. The museum also has a small cafe and shop. Because the galleries sometimes close between exhibitions, check the calendar before going.
| Admission | Ticket required for most exhibitions; confirm the current price on the museum website |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daytime hours, reported as closed Tuesdays; confirm at sursock.museum/content/plan-your-visit or on +961 1 202 001 |
| Typical visit | 1 to 2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday afternoons |
| Getting there | Taxi or ride-hail to Sursock Museum in Achrafieh (about 10 minutes from Downtown); on foot from Gemmayzeh about 10 minutes uphill |
| Address | Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock Street, Achrafieh, Beirut |
Location
Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock Street, Achrafieh, Beirut
33.8942, 35.5189 View on map
Highlights
- 1912 Venetian-Ottoman villa with marble staircase
- Modern and contemporary Lebanese art
- Changing exhibitions and the Salon d'Automne
- Museum cafe and shop
Tips for visiting
- Check the calendar at sursock.museum; galleries close between exhibitions.
- Phone +961 1 202 001 for same-day hours.
- Combine with the Gemmayzeh stairs and Armenia Street, about 10 minutes downhill.
- Bags may need to be left at the desk.
When to visit
Weekday afternoons for quiet galleries.
Accessibility
The restored building has lift access to the main floors; the older villa rooms can have steps.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Where is the museum?
On Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock Street in Achrafieh, a short walk uphill from Gemmayzeh.
Is it open after the 2020 blast?
Yes, it reopened after restoration, but exhibitions change, so confirm on the website.
Is there a cafe?
Yes, a small museum cafe operates on site.