National Heritage Day 2026: Protecting Lebanon’s Heritage in Times of War
Lebanon’s heritage is under threat. This Saturday, experts are fighting back.
Alongside devastating civilian losses, enemy airstrikes and bombardments have left visible scars across South Lebanon; on archaeological sites, historic buildings, cultural landmarks, and the living traditions that define local communities. As the country hopefully looks toward recovery, a critical question remains: what happens to our collective memory when history itself is caught in the crossfire?
This Saturday, June 20, the Ministry of Culture is inviting the public to the National Museum of Beirut for National Heritage Day 2026, held under the theme “Protecting Heritage in Times of War.”
Organized under the patronage of Minister Ghassan Salamé, the free event brings together heritage experts, researchers, architects, and cultural advocates to discuss the damage done and the urgent work underway to document, protect, and restore what remains.
Throughout the morning, attendees will hear from specialists working on the front lines of heritage protection, documenting damage, preserving historical memory, and developing strategies for restoration and resilience.
Programme
10:00 AM – Doors Open
10:30 AM – Opening Remarks
10:45 AM – Panel 1: Protecting Heritage Under Fire
- The impact of conflict on archaeological and historic sites
- Protection of heritage and cultural sites
- Challenges facing Lebanon’s tangible cultural heritage
11:45 AM – Panel 2: Preserving Southern Lebanon’s Living Heritage
- Safeguarding traditions and natural heritage
- Documentation of cultural heritage, urban identity, and community memory
- Heritage considerations during reconstruction efforts
Visitors will also be able to explore a visual exhibition running throughout the event.
Whether you’re passionate about history, architecture, archaeology, culture, or simply care about preserving what makes Lebanon unique, this is an opportunity to hear directly from the experts working to ensure that future generations inherit more than memories.
National Heritage Day 2026
📍 National Museum of Beirut
📅 Saturday, June 20, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM
🎟️ Free Admission
