Lebanese museums open for free on July 29

After six years of interruption, the Night of Museums is making its grand return under the auspices of the Culture Ministry, in partnership with the Directorate General of Antiquities (DGA). On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., the public is invited to visit multiple museums free of charge, in a national celebration of memory, transmission and beauty.

The official announcement was made during a press conference held at the Culture Ministry, at the National Library in Sanayeh. Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh unveiled the revival of this emblematic initiative, which he launched 20 years ago during his first term at the head of the ministry.

He also said that two new museums are under construction: one in Sour, scheduled to open in a year, and one in Saida, expected in two to three years. He also joked, "Those who visit the Banque du Liban Museum might find their money there," a biting reference to funds frozen in banks since the 2019 economic crisis.

In Beirut, the museums opening their doors:

– National Museum of Beirut,

– Sursock Museum,

– AUB Archaeological Museum,

– AUB Geology Museum,

– USJ Minerals Museum,

– USJ Prehistory Museum,

– USJ's Oriental Library,

– Banque du Liban Museum,

– Gallery of the Institut Français du Liban, with an exhibition by Serge Blosh,

– Villa Audi,

– and the Nuhad Es-Said Pavilion for Culture.

Beyond the capital, the festivities continue:

– in Jounieh, with the USEK Museum;

– in Byblos, with the Aram Bezikian Museum of Armenian Genocide Orphans, the archaeological site museum (DGA), Mémoire du temps (marine fossil museum), the Pepe Abed Foundation, MACAM and the Louis Cardahi Foundation – LAU;

– in Tripoli, with the Saint Gilles Citadel Museum.

Other museums are still being confirmed.

To crown this night dedicated to culture, the National Museum square will become pedestrian and will host, starting at 8:30 p.m. and every 30 minutes thereafter, a monumental 3D projection created by Cre8Mania on the museum’s façade, in partnership with Beirut Digital District as part of Beirut Dares to Dream.

Free buses (ACTCPT) will be available to connect Beirut’s museums, with a departure every half hour.