UNESCO announced today, Thursday, the completion of the rehabilitation project for the famous Sursock Museum, which was damaged by the Beirut Port explosion on August 4, 2020, after receiving funding of one million euros from Italy. The museum is set to reopen on May 26.
The Italian funds were invested in essential work related to the lighting systems for exhibition halls, the replacement of internal barriers, the restoration of fire doors, glass walls, associated equipment, and painting and lighting of the façade and gardens, along with waterproofing. Additionally, electromechanical systems and solar panels were installed to ensure a green environment and sustainable energy consumption.
The museum received direct support in the first phase of rehabilitation from France and ALIPH. Italy: Committed to Lebanon's Recovery. In this context, Italian Ambassador to Lebanon, Nicoletta Bombardiere, stated that "the Sursock Museum is the first rehabilitation project launched by Italy and UNESCO in the field of cultural heritage after the explosion. It serves as a key testament to our commitment to the recovery of Beirut. We strongly believe that culture and heritage protection are more necessary than ever in times of crises."
For her part, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay considered that "the Sursock Museum is a jewel of Lebanese architecture and cultural life, a strong symbol of pride and resilience for the Beirut community," noting that "after completing the rehabilitation of all affected schools a year ago, we are proud to revive this famous cultural institution."
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sursock Museum, Tarek Mitri, stated: "We hope that the reopening of the Sursock Museum will provide a new impetus for cultural life in Lebanon." Based on its recommendation in 2015 regarding the protection and enhancement of museums, their collections, diversity, and role in society, UNESCO supported the museum in restoring its central role in the city by stimulating creativity, renewing the cultural life, and providing opportunities for cultural industries, as well as contributing to the physical and spiritual well-being of citizens and visitors.
**Where is Sursock Museum Located?**
The Sursock Museum is located in the Achrafieh area and is one of the few landmarks that attest to Lebanese architecture and palaces from the 18th and 19th centuries, featuring Phoenician and Ottoman styles in Beirut. It is situated in the Villa Nicola Sursock, built in 1912, which he donated along with his collections to the Lebanese citizens, dedicating the villa as a museum of modern and contemporary art. The museum was opened in 1961 and houses more than 1,500 pieces in its permanent collection, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and installations, in addition to over 30,000 photographs, postcards, and valuable manuscripts from the Fouad Dabbas collection, among others.
