Sursock Museum

Lonely Planet review

Lit up at night, so that the full glory of its colourful stained glass is on show, the Sursock Museum is truly an extraordinary sight.

Owned by the Sursock family, one of the country's most illustrious dynasties, the extraordinary and magnificent Lebanese-Italian architectural style of the building itself often overshadows the temporary exhibitions. The location of the museum, in a wonderful street of luxurious modern apartment blocks and beautiful Ottoman- and French Mandate-era mansions, makes a walk around the neighbourhood mandatory. The interior of the museum is equally grand with vast marble floors and wood panelling. Some of the rooms are decorated in the oriental style and the main hall has a collection of 19th-century Turkish silver as well as a gigantic 7th-century Abbasid jar. The former study of Nicholas Ibrahim Sursock features his portrait by Kees Van Dongen and houses a small collection of icons. Call or check the press to find out if exhibitions are scheduled during your visit.