UNESCO Announces Plans to Restore Beirut’s Iconic Grand Theater

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has announced the restoration of Beirut’s Grand Theater, a significant cultural landmark in Lebanon.

This initiative, alongside the restoration of the Mar Mikhael train station, is part of a broader effort to revitalize Beirut’s heritage sites and support the country’s cultural recovery. Both projects aim to transform neglected landmarks into vibrant cultural spaces that celebrate Lebanon’s history.

About Beirut’s Grand Theater

The Grand Théâtre de Beyrouth was originally built in the 1920s and opened in 1929. Designed by architect Youssef Aftimos, it featured a horseshoe-shaped auditorium with 630 seats, two balconies, and a retractable steel dome for ventilation.

The theater hosted various performances, including international productions and concerts by renowned artists. However, during the Lebanese Civil War, the building suffered significant damage and has remained unused since then. While the exterior was restored, the interior has largely been neglected.

Azoulay’s made the announcement during her official visit to Beirut, where she also launched the restoration of the Mar Mikhael train station. Both projects are being carried out in coordination with the Lebanese government and the Ministry of Culture.

The project is funded by Italy and the United Arab Emirates. An international fundraising campaign has also been launched, inviting donations from cultural organizations and donors worldwide. The restoration aims to preserve the theater’s architectural integrity while modernizing its facilities for contemporary performances.

Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh stated: “The Ministry of Culture is, above all, the guardian of national memory. As the guardian of national memory, it could not accept that this place, which was a cultural center during and before the independence of this country, remains in this state.”

The restoration of Beirut’s Grand Theater marks a vital step in preserving Lebanon’s cultural heritage. For more content like this, make sure to check out the #Historical Snapshot section on our website.

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