Art Museum
Sursock Museum

Image: Wikimedia Commons.
Sursock Museum is an art museum in Beirut, Lebanon.
About Sursock Museum
Overview & Identity
The Sursock Museum is a prominent art institution located in Beirut, Lebanon. Established as a cultural landmark, it serves as a hub for contemporary and modern art, hosting over a hundred exhibitions featuring both Lebanese and international artists. The museum is recognized for its role in setting precedents for cultural events in Beirut since its opening.
History & Founding
The museum was founded by the Lebanese aristocrat Nicolas Sursock, who commissioned the building in 1912. Although the structure was completed earlier, the museum officially opened its doors to the public in 1961. Its inaugural exhibition, directed by Amine Beyhum, showcased works by contemporary Lebanese artists, marking a significant moment in the region's cultural history.
Building & Architecture
The Sursock Museum building is an architectural exemplar that blends Venetian and Ottoman styles, reflecting the unique cultural heritage of Beirut. The structure has recently undergone significant transformation; following damage sustained in 2020, the museum was expanded with four new underground floors beneath its garden. This expansion increased the total area from 1,500 to 8,500 square meters.
Collection Highlights
The museum's permanent collection is diverse, featuring modern art and a notable collection of Japanese art. It also houses works by a wide array of Lebanese and international artists. The collection serves as a testament to the founder's vision and the museum's commitment to preserving and showcasing art from various traditions and periods.
Significance & Recent History
The Sursock Museum faced a catastrophic event on August 4, 2020, when the Beirut port explosion caused significant damage to the building and destroyed some artworks. The institution was subsequently restored with the aid of various donors, including a one million euro donation from the Italian government in May 2021. The restoration and expansion project cost US$12 million and added essential facilities such as a research library, auditorium, and restoration workshop.
What to see at Sursock Museum
Start with Dbayeh by Moustafa Farroukh.
Plan your visit
Sursock Museum
- Website
- sursock.museum
What's on
- Sympoietic Fabrics by Charbel Samuel AounFrom 29 Feb 2024
- Exhibition from the Archives | International Archives WeekFrom 14 May 2024
- Tribute To Abdel Hamid BaalbakiFrom 27 Feb 2025
- A Comet In Your Eyes by Panos Aprahamian and Janaina WagnerFrom 13 Mar 2025
- Remembering the Light - Joana Hadjithomas & Khalil JoreigeFrom 9 May 2025
- Becoming IconFrom 17 Jul 2025
- The Encounter of the First and Last Particles of Dust by Stéphanie SaadéFrom 25 Jul 2025
- DIVAS: From Oum Kalthoum to DalidaFrom 17 Oct 2025
- Material StoriesFrom 21 May 2026





