Sursock Museum, Beirut

The Sursock Museum, officially named the Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock Museum, stands as a prominent institution for modern and contemporary art in Beirut. The building was originally a private villa constructed in 1912 by Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock, a wealthy Lebanese aristocrat who envisioned his home as a future cultural hub. Upon his death in 1952, Sursock bequeathed the villa to the city of Beirut with the stipulation that it be converted into a museum. This vision materialized in 1961 when the museum opened under the direction of Amine Beyhum with an inaugural exhibition featuring contemporary Lebanese artists, thus cementing its role in Beirut’s cultural scene.

Architecturally, the Sursock Museum showcases a blend of Lebanese design with Italianate and Ottoman influences, reflective of the Venetian styles prevalent during the period. It is situated on Rue Sursock in the Rmeil district, a historical area known for its grand mansions built by Beirut's elite families in the 19th century. Despite the threat posed by development and a largely unregulated real estate market, the museum remains a testament to the city's architectural heritage.

The museum has hosted over a hundred exhibitions, displaying not only Lebanese art but also international works, thereby fostering a global dialogue. Its permanent collection, featuring over 800 artworks including modern art pieces, Japanese engravings, and Islamic art, spans across paintings, sculptures, and graphic arts from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Tragically, on August 4, 2020, the museum was severely damaged by a massive ammonium nitrate explosion that also impacted much of Beirut. Some artworks were destroyed, and the structure itself sustained significant damage. Recovery was made possible through contributions from various donors, including a notable one million euro from the Italian government. After extensive restoration efforts, the Sursock Museum reopened its doors on May 26, 2023, once again serving as a beacon of art and culture in Beirut.