Beiruting News

National Library of Beirut.

The Ministry of Culture, under the leadership of Minister Ghassan Salameh, held a press conference today at the National Library of Beirut to unveil a series of major projects and initiatives aimed at revitalizing Lebanon's cultural, heritage, and artistic sectors. These initiatives pursue three main objectives: safeguarding the national memory and heritage, supporting economic recovery, and fostering national dialogue on unity, stability, and the country's future. During the press conference, Minister Salameh stated:

"The Ministry's mission is to restore both tangible and intangible heritage, with culture serving as a cornerstone for economic recovery, and today we are launching a comprehensive national initiative to advance this mission."

Key initiatives announced included:

National Library Restoration & Digitization: Thousands of books, manuscripts, and documents will be preserved digitally to safeguard Lebanon's literary heritage and provide broad access for students, researchers, and the public, under the patronage of CMA CGM.

Grand Theatre of Beirut: Restoration in partnership with UNESCO and international partners, with US$1
million from the Sharjah Government for studies and planning, reviving opera, theatre, and cultural performances.

Mar Mikhael Train Station: Rehabilitation under UNESCO's "Beirut" initiative, with works starting in September 2025.

UNESCO Palace Renovation: Enhancing its cultural and touristic functions.

Protection of Endangered Heritage Sites: Joint project with the French Embassy, IFPO, and the General Directorate of Antiquities, starting with the Temple of Eshmun in Bustan el-Sheikh, including specialized training in mosaics and wall restoration.

BAAL Archaeological Archive Digitization: Digitizing the BAAL magazine and archives for researchers, students, and the public.

Lebanese Constitution Centennial: Exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and school activities celebrating 100 years of the Lebanese Constitution.

Khan al-Askar Project: Launching a training and innovation center for crafts and cultural revitalization in Tripoli.

Lebanon Arts & Culture Forum 2025: A national forum uniting artists, institutions, and civil society to shape a strategic roadmap for Lebanon's cultural policies.

Specialized Training Programs: Courses for library staff on advanced preservation and restoration techniques.

National Library Network & CLAC Centers Upgrade: Modernizing municipal libraries with digital services and updated content.

Year-Round Cultural Events: Cinema Week, Book Exchange Day, Arabic Language Day, Music Festivals, Francophonie Month, Lebanese Theatre Week, Heritage Night, and Museums Night.

Heritage Protection Initiatives Across Lebanon: Restoration projects include buildings in Baalbek and the water tower at the Rashid Karami Fair in Tripoli, with additional initiatives planned for the South and other regions throughout the country.

Lebanese Writers in France: Lebanon will be Guest of Honor at the "Étonnants Voyageurs" Festival in
Saint-Malo, May 2026.

Intellectual & Cultural Dialogues at the National Library: Hosting Arab and international figures to exchange ideas and foster cultural dialogue.

These projects mark a major step in revitalizing Lebanon's cultural landscape, linking heritage, arts, education, and public engagement in a comprehensive national vision.