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The Sursock Museum celebrates its reopening this Friday, December 20, after two months of closure due to the war. The program includes video mapping, guided tours, a concert and a Christmas market. The event coincides with Lamia Abillama's presentation of Portraits d’une République (Portraits of a Republic), a striking photographic fresco of Lebanese power.
After two months of closure during the recent war in Lebanon, the Sursock Museum is reopening its doors to the public this Friday, December 20. A festive day packed with events awaits visitors to celebrate the long-anticipated return of this iconic cultural institution.
“Having been greatly weakened by the August 4, 2020 explosion at the Beirut port, which heavily damaged the building and affected 45 paintings from the collection, we feared a repeat of this experience,” explained Karina El-Helou, the museum’s director, justifying the temporary suspension of activities. A prudent decision to protect staff, the public and the artworks in this time of conflict. But even with its doors closed, tireless work continued behind the scenes to prepare for this significant day.
From 4 PM to 10 PM, the museum invites the public to reclaim its spaces and artistic treasures. The highlight of this reopening is a spectacular 3D mapping projection on the museum’s façade. Thanks to digital magic, iconic works from the permanent collection will come to life before the audience's eyes. Animated paintings by renowned Lebanese artists such as Willy Aractingi, Etel Adnan, Assadour, Chafic Abboud and Samia Osseirane will be illuminated by sound artist Moe Choucair.
At the same time, guided tours will allow visitors to rediscover the re-hung exhibitions: Beyond Ruptures, I Am Uncultured and Beirut Recollection. It’s a chance to dive back into Lebanese art with a fresh perspective.
On the esplanade, the talented multi-instrumentalist Yara Asmar will deliver an intimate and enchanting concert. Her experimental music, weaving together xylophone, accordion and keyboard, will resonate with the visuals projected, offering a unique immersive experience.
The museum shop also promises delightful surprises with its pop-up Christmas market. Art and design enthusiasts will find joy among a curated selection of exclusive pieces by Lebanese artists and designers. All this is accompanied by seasonal treats and local wines, generously provided by sponsors.
After this forced hiatus, the Sursock Museum is more determined than ever to make art and culture shine against all odds.
Lamia Abillama Chronicles Lebanese Power in Portraits d’une République (Portraits of a Republic)
This Friday, December 20, promises to be rich in events at the Sursock Museum. In addition to the reopening, photographer Lamia Abillama will unveil Portraits d’une République (Portraits of a Republic), a remarkable book tracing through 75 portraits the journeys of Lebanon's most influential political figures between 2008 and 2024.
This monumental project was born during the 2006 war, a pivotal experience that sparked deep reflection in the artist about memory and power in her country. Over 15 years, with persistence and diplomacy, she sought out those shaping Lebanon's destiny.
Each carefully composed portrait reveals a glimpse of truth about these men and women in power. More than an art book, Portraits d’une République (Portraits of a Republic) stands as a precious historical document for Lebanon. The genesis of the work itself tells the story of Lebanon’s scars: obtaining these photographs was no easy feat, but Lamia Abillama persevered.
The result matches her determination—a political and emotional work, a collection of faces and stories recounting both major and minor histories.
With these two major highlights—the museum’s festive reopening and the much-anticipated unveiling of Lamia Abillama’s book—the Sursock Museum reasserts its role as a cornerstone of Lebanese cultural life. In a resilient Lebanon drawing strength from art to move forward, this is already a remarkable victory.
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