Archaeological Museum of the American University of Beirut

Beirut

LoginSave

The AUB Museum was founded in 1868 and is one of the oldest in the Middle East. On permanent display is its collection of Lebanese and Middle Eastern artefacts, including weapons, tools, flints, figurines, pottery and jewellery, along with a fine collection of Phoenician glass and Arab coins dating from as early as the 5th century BC. Turn right once through the main university entrance. Note that the museum is closed during university holidays. Audioguides can be hired for LL3000.

The museum runs monthly lectures throughout the year, hosts temporary exhibitions and children's activities, and is involved in ongoing excavations in Lebanon and Syria.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • The Beirut National Museum, Lebanon.

    National Museum of Beirut

    2.3 MILES

    Located on the former Green Line, this is Beirut's major cultural institution. Its impressive, magnificently displayed collection of archaeological…

  • Cedars growing at 6,000 feet in the Shouf Biosphere Reserve in Lebanon.

    Shouf Biosphere Reserve

    20.15 MILES

    The largest of Lebanon’s three natural protectorates, comprising an incredible 5% of the total land area, this is the largest natural cedar reserve in the…

  • Celestine, Beirut Mineral Museum exhibit, Lebanon.

    MIM

    2.2 MILES

    Under the St Joseph university, this atmospheric and beautifully designed museum presents an extraordinary collection of exquisitely selected and…

  • The main square in Deir Al-Qamar, Lebanon.

    Main Square

    14.65 MILES

    The main square is a showcase of fine Arab architecture, including the Mosque of Emir Fakhreddine Maan, built in 1493, and, behind it, a cobbler's souq…

  • St George Crypt Museum

    St George Crypt Museum

    1.25 MILES

    When a bomb fell on the Orthodox cathedral in 1975, the only silver lining was that it revealed these ruins beneath. Though the area is small, an…

  • Saida Souq

    Saida Souq

    24.08 MILES

    Along with Tripoli's, Saida's old city is Lebanon's most characterful and authentic souq area. It's a delight to wander the narrow lanes, ducking into…

  • Beiteddine Palace

    Beiteddine Palace

    15.11 MILES

    Sitting majestically on a hill surrounded by terraced gardens and orchards, Beiteddine Palace is one of the highlights of the Chouf Mountains. This…

  • Byblos Archaeological Site

    Byblos Archaeological Site

    17.86 MILES

    A well-restored Crusader castle dominates Byblos' atmospheric archaeological site, which incorporates Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Greek and Roman ruins –…

View more attractions

Nearby Beirut attractions

1. American University of Beirut

0.12 MILES

One of the Middle East’s most prestigious and expensive universities, the AUB was founded in 1866 by American Protestant missionary Daniel Bliss. Spread…

2. Issam Fares Institute

0.31 MILES

The IFI holds the distinction of being the only Zaha Hadid-designed building in Beirut. The structure is distinctive in appearance too: it’s a…

3. Banque du Liban Museum

0.36 MILES

Banque du Liban Museum is an offbeat little stop for a change of pace. The collection includes coins dating back to 500 BC; some of the retired Lebanese…

4. Dar El Nimer

0.47 MILES

Housed in a gorgeous 1930s villa, Dar El Nimer features rotating art exhibits and an impressive permanent collection including decorative arts, glass,…

5. Sanayeh Public Garden

0.54 MILES

A very well-maintained public park with soothing greenery and water, this has playground equipment for the kids to let off steam, and plenty of paved…

6. Luna Park

0.87 MILES

Luna Park is a rickety old amusement park, with all the attendant charms and nuisances, at which most Western tourists turn up their noses. Bypass the…

7. Robert Mouawad Private Museum

0.91 MILES

The world would be a poorer place if it didn't host idiosyncratic cultural institutions such as this one. Conceived and funded by jeweller and collector…

8. Grand Serail

1.01 MILES

The Grand Serail, a majestic Ottoman-era building that has been restored to its former grandeur and is now the Prime Minister's base, is a splendid…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "lebanon/beirut/attractions/archaeological-museum-of-the-american-university-of-beirut/a/poi-sig/418849/361093",
  "destination": "Beirut",
  "continent": "Middle-East",
  "country": "Lebanon",
  "city": "Beirut",
  "position": "superzone"
}