For us, the post-war generation, it’s just that awesome building that took forever to renovate. Beit Beirut though, is one of the only surviving symbols of Lebanon’s Civil War, a war most Lebanese try to forget and never try to come to terms with.
History
It was built in 1924, and was called “The Barakat House”, designed by Youssef Aftimus. It was a posh residential complex, with 8 spacious apartments for Beirut’s middle class families. Shortly after the Lebanese Civil War started, it became a perch for snipers, especially Christian militias, since its strategic location meant controlling the vital Sodeco junction.
In the 1990s, it was supposed to be demolished. However, brilliant Lebanese heritage activists resisted, and after years of advocating and protests, by groups like “Association pour la Protection des Sites et Anciennes Demeures au Liban” (APSAD), the decision to demolish it was reversed, and instead, its ownership was transferred to the Beirut Municipality.
After partnering up with the French Embassy in Beirut, and the Paris Municipality, the building was renovated and became part of a huge complex that would house a library, a museum and urban cultural center on the former, bloody demarcation line between East and West Beirut. Despite several years delay, Beit Beirut is ready, but the usual political indecisiveness means that it’s still not open to the public except on rare occasions. Until now…
Photos From Our Visit
What MARCH is Planning in April
We’ve been hard at work in some of Beirut’s most neglected neighborhoods for the past few months. In mid-April, around the date of the start of the Lebanese Civil War, MARCH will present the culmination of these many months of hard work. I won’t say more now, but it’ll be a chance for the public to come and see this magical, beautifully renovated place, as well see what we’ve been up to in our beloved capital.
Stay tuned for more, and follow me on Instagram for more pics like this!
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