Why Dar El Nimer Is One of Beirut’s Most Important Art Spaces
Dar El Nimer for Arts and Culture stands as a vital hub in Beirut’s art scene, founded in 2016 by collector Rami El Nimer to showcase Palestinian and Levantine cultural productions. Housed in a historic 1930s villa, it fosters deep engagement with regional heritage amid challenging social and political contexts.
The space frequently hosts art exhibitions, artist spotlights, and fundraisers dedicated to preserving Levantine heritage. Through its carefully curated programming, it creates a platform for dialogue, reflection, and cultural exchange, highlighting voices and narratives often underrepresented in the region’s art scene.
How it all started
Dar El Nimer began as an independent non-profit in Beirut’s heart, driven by Rami El Nimer’s lifelong collection of Palestinian-rooted art from Nablus. The space revives Villa Salem, a French Mandate-era building by architect Lucien Cavro using innovative ‘domino’ construction, turning it into an accessible venue. It preserves and shares the El Nimer Collection, countering erasure of regional identities through public display.
The foundation promotes cultural, historical, and intellectual awareness via exhibitions, performances, film screenings, workshops, and discussions on regional realities. It challenges stereotypes, broadens artistic experiences, and bridges communities, including Lebanese and Palestinians, while inviting schools and individuals for dialogue. Programs feature private collection shows, commissioned works, and hosted events aligned with its vision.
What’s on View Right Now
1. ‘On Earth as it is in Heaven: Icons from Jerusalem‘ led by Mahmoud Zibawi until March 19, 2026
Curated by Dar El Nimer for Arts and Culture and researched by art historian Mahmoud Zibawi, the display draws from centuries of Levantine religious art traditions. These works, rooted in pilgrimage routes and devotional practices, vividly capture the interplay of faith, travel, and craftsmanship in the Eastern Mediterranean.
2. ‘Look Closely – Gaza’ by Selim Mawad until March 13, 2026
It features Mawad’s immersive installations and visual works that intimately explore Gaza’s landscapes, people, and resilience amid war. The show invites viewers to engage deeply with layered imagery, blending photography, video, and site-specific elements drawn from the artist’s fieldwork.
Make sure to follow them on Instagram to stay up to date on upcoming exhibitions, fundraisers, and lectures.
📍 Location
America street, Clemenceau
Click here for the exact location.
⏰ Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday from 11 AM until 5 PM
📞 Contact
+961 1 367 013 (Office)
+961 1 367 016 (Gallery)
Want to discover more cultural spots? Check out this article: All the Cultural Spots You Need to Visit in Beirut.
