Art

A two-level gallery devoted to contemporary art from the Levant and other Middle Eastern regions, run by regional art expert Saleh Barakat. A good place to familiarize yourself with the past and future big names from the Arab art world. Exhibitions are usually solo.

An intimate gallery dedicated to mainly local fine art and located in the heart of Downtown Beirut. Shows are often exhibited in tandem between Downtown gallery and their original, larger space in Antelias.

Just off the hustle and bustle of Sassine Square, this popular little gallery exhibits contemporary work from the international and local art scene, whether paintings, sculpture and photography.

This extensive gallery in the heart of Saifi Village houses a permanent collection, featuring the creations of sixty painters and five sculptors. Get lost in their backroom, stuffed with antique furniture, jewellery and silver.

The exhibitions of Lebanese and international artists displayed at Art Circle change every month. The work exhibited here ranges from visual (painting, sculpture, and photography) to performance art, textile exhibitions, and even the culinary arts. Workshops are sometimes held and cultural events are organized regularly.

Located in a refurbished warehouse, this funky bar and gallery focuses on pop art and similar genres, mostly Lebanese but often international. Art and music events are held regularly and there’s a cine-club on Sunday evenings. An art store on site sells books, postcards and other knick-knacks. A top evening venue for culture vultures.

The permanent exhibition at this Achrafieh art gallery displays the work of 23 internationally recognized Lebanese painters. These gorgeous paintings are all for sale, so come with wallet in hand and take home the product of a Lebanese creative genius.

This art workshop located near Smith Super market offers many courses for children and adults. Book in for one of their month-long courses in painting, mosaics, crafts (and more), or just drop by for a cup of tea in their cosy café.

A major player on the burgeoning Arab art market, Ayyam first opened in Damascus, then Dubai, adding its Beirut space in late 2009. As well as some prestigious exhibitions, some handling controversial fare that rarely shows at the other branches, Beirut’s Ayyam also runs auctions. Its sleek, modern space houses paintings, sculptures and photography from some of the Arab world’s established and emerging artists, with a slight emphasis on the exciting talent emerging from Syria.

This large non-profit art space dedicated to contemporary art has curated some of the Beirut’s premier exhibitions since it opened two years ago. Up-and-coming artists as well as the more established feature, and check the website for talks, documentary screenings and workshops. A choice book selection is on sale, and a small café purveys the basics for a mid-peruse refuelling. Well worth checking out.

This gallery and picture-framers has a vast collection of Lebanese paintings and sculptures. Ranging from classical to contemporary, featured artists include Cezar Gemmayel, Mustafa Faroukh and Habib Frour.

Paint your own pots, plates and mugs at Lebanon’s only contemporary ceramic arts studio. Snack on homemade sandwiches and cakes, and sip a steaming cup of coffee while you create your own artistic masterpieces.

Exhibits 18th and 19th century paintings and antiques plus a wide collection of Bohemian and Ruby glassware, decorative items, silver, and antiques furniture, all hand-picked from France, England, Italy and other countries.

This Hamra art gallery is constantly bringing in new artwork, hosting at least one exhibition per month. Exhibitions tend to focus on contemporary photography and installations, with the occasional painting or sculpture on display. It’s often a fascinating mix, usually themed at least indirectly around Beirut or Lebanon.

A permanent Art Showroom on 4 floors, where themed art exhibitions are held from time to time. Mkalles Main Str.

This 25 square metre exhibition space regularly hosts art exhibitions of local artists, experimental workshops and different creative events.

This minimalist Raouche gallery is full of large, well-lit display spaces, filled with a constantly expanding permanent collection of contemporary sculptures and paintings by Lebanese artists. In addition, between 6-8 temporary exhibitions are arranged each year.

Art courses given for children aged 4-16 years with additional activities during school holidays. Enrol your kids for lessons in painting (watercolour, oil, gouache, acrylic, mix media and charcoal), fabric painting, sculpture (Clay & Crafts) or mosaics. All material is provided by La Petite Academie and birthday celebrations are also available. Call for a schedule of usual courses.

Lose yourself amongst the permanent exhibition of Buddhist statues, Tibetan furniture and Hindu icons at this brand new gallery.

Regional art aficionado Saleh Barakat opened this fine space with top Lebanese art critic Joseph Tarrab to promote modern art in Lebanon. Their goal is to seek out talent that media hype around a chosen few may have relegated to oblivion and promote it, something these two are well-placed to do. Every two to three months there is a collective exhibition of local works, alongside a permanent collection of well-known masterpieces that are not otherwise exhibited, specifically those produced before the 1960s.