Robert Mouawad Private Museum

Robert Mouawad Private Museum
Location within Beirut
Robert Mouawad Private Museum (Lebanon)
EstablishedMay 11, 2006 (2006-05-11)
LocationBeirut, Lebanon
Coordinates33°53′43″N 35°29′56″E / 33.895325°N 35.498981°E / 33.895325; 35.498981
TypeArchaeological
Websitewww.rmpm.info

The Robert Mouawad Private Museum (Arabic: متحف روبير معوض الخاص) is a private residence in Beirut’s Zokak el-Blat quarter that was converted into a museum by the Lebanese businessman Robert Mouawad.

The palace was built in the neo-Gothic style by the Lebanese politician and art collector Henri Philippe Pharaoun in 1891.[1][2] The museum was inaugurated on 11 May 2006. It houses objects of value reflecting a blend of artistic oriental and occidental influences, as well as a collection of rare books, Chinese porcelain, ceramics, and other significant artifacts.[3][4]

The palace’s architecture and design reflect Pharaoun’s fascination with Islamic Art and include decorative wooden panels dating back to the 17th century, acquired especially after his repeated travels to Syria.[5] Other displayed artifacts include Byzantine mosaics, Roman marble sculptures, jars and jugs, historical columns, pottery, ancient weapons, unique carpets, jewelry, precious stones, Melkite Catholic icons, and preserved manuscripts.[6][7]

The museum was closed following the 2020 Beirut explosion.[8] It has since reopened.[9][10]

References

  1. ^ "Private Site". adiamondinsunlight.wordpress.com. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
  2. ^ "Henri-Philippe Pharaon". Britannica. Archived from the original on 2 April 2019. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  3. ^ "Robert Mouawad Private Museum". Rmpm.info. Archived from the original on 6 February 2016. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  4. ^ Holy Spirit University Faculty (27 May 2006). "Conference about "private museum of Robert Mouawad"". Holy Spirit University of Kaslik. Archived from the original on 2 April 2012. Retrieved 7 November 2011.
  5. ^ Farhat, May (2012). "A Mediterraneanist's Collection: Henri Pharaon's "Treasure House of Arab Art" Ars Orientalis". Academia.edu. Archived from the original on 19 June 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
  6. ^ "Welcome to Robert Mouawad Private museum". Archived from the original on 6 March 2012. Retrieved 18 September 2012.
  7. ^ "Robert Mouawad Private Museum". The Real Beirut. UK: BBC. 1 October 2009. Archived from the original on 5 October 2009. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  8. ^ Bauer, Sarah Mady, Nelly P. Abboud and Alexander A. (2020-09-30). "Beirut After the Explosion: The Effects on the Cultural Heritage and the Museums". E-International Relations. Retrieved 2025-04-14.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Rainey, Venetia. "Bringing Beirut's museum scene back to life". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2025-04-14.
  10. ^ "الوكالة الوطنية للإعلام - L'Oréal Paris honors four remarkable Lebanese women at the "Women of Worth" gala dinner". National News Agency. Retrieved 2025-04-14.

Bibliography