Exhibition "Photographing the Heritage of Lebanon, 1864-1970" Institute of the Arab World from April 3, 2025, to January 4, 2026

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Discover a unique selection of old photographs from Lebanon, taken between 1864 and 1970. The exhibition highlights the Lebanese architectural and cultural heritage through rare photographs preserved by the Oriental Library of Beirut, revealed for the first time in France at the Museum of the IMA.

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Entry ticket to the IMA

-A collective visual memory
-Contemporary works in response
-A sensitive and scholarly perspective
-A journey through time
-Various photographic mediums
-A first in France

**From April 3, 2025 to January 4, 2026

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What to expect

Photographing Lebanon’s Heritage, 1864–1970

A visual journey through Lebanese history through the lens of time

From April 3, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the Museum of the Arab World Institute (IMA) invites you to experience a unique, moving, and enriching exhibition: "Photographing Lebanon’s Heritage, 1864–1970". Held on the 7th floor of the museum, this exceptional exhibition unveils for the first time in France a rare selection of vintage photographs from the precious archives of the Oriental Library at Saint Joseph University in Beirut.

These images, taken between the second half of the 19th century and the late 1960s, sensitively capture the cultural, architectural, and human richness of Lebanon. From Byblos to Baalbek, the shores of Tyre to the mountains of Chouf, visitors are invited to discover a heritage that is largely endangered, sometimes lost, yet still vibrant in collective memory.

A rare and priceless photographic legacy

At the heart of this exhibition are invaluable photographic documents, created by Jesuit missionaries, archaeologists, and scholarly explorers. These pioneers traveled across Lebanon with a purpose that was at once scientific, educational, and heritage-driven, assembling an extensive collection of photographs to illustrate their research and teaching. Far beyond mere documentation, their images reflect a profound passion for the history and aesthetics of the region.

The exhibition invites you to rediscover a dozen major historical sites through contact sheets, glass plates, flexible negatives, and vintage prints. Each image reveals not only the past state of the monuments but also local ways of life, vernacular architecture, social dynamics, and traditional customs.

Thanks to meticulous digitization and indexing, supported by several French and Lebanese heritage institutions, these archives are now accessible to the public—offering a priceless visual memory for future generations.

A visual tribute to Lebanon and its resilience

The exhibition takes on a deeply emotional and political dimension in today’s context. Many of the heritage sites captured before the upheavals of the 20th century and recent conflicts have been severely damaged or completely destroyed. This photographic retrospective becomes an act of memory and resistance—a way to visually preserve what may one day vanish forever.

Alongside the historical photos, the museum presents a major contemporary artwork: the sculpture Li Bayrut (For Beirut) by artist Chaouki Choukini, created in the wake of the devastating port explosions in Beirut in August 2020. This powerful and poetic bronze sculpture embodies Lebanese artists’ deep attachment to their city and their people, as well as the power of art to transcend pain and reinvent beauty.

Why should you book in advance?

Visiting this exhibition is far more than a cultural outing: it is a journey through time, a deep dive into Lebanon’s visual memory, and a unique opportunity to discover images never before shown in France. The quality of the works on display, their emotional power, and the historical relevance of the subject make this a must-see event for lovers of history, photography, archaeology, or simply the Arab world.

By reserving your tickets in advance, you’ll also enjoy guaranteed access to this temporary exhibition, which is expected to draw significant crowds, especially during key events in the Lebanon program.

Practical information

📍 Venue:
Museum of the Arab World Institute (IMA)
1, rue des Fossés-Saint-Bernard, Place Mohammed V – 75005 Paris
7th Floor – Accessible via elevator or escalator

📅 Exhibition dates:
From Thursday, April 3, 2025, to Sunday, January 4, 2026

🕒 Museum hours:

Tuesday to Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Closed on Mondays

💶 Admission fees:

Full price: €10
Free for visitors under 26
Reduced rates and special conditions available on the IMA website

🚇 Getting there:

Metro line 7 – Jussieu station
RER C – Austerlitz station
Bus: lines 24, 63, 67, 86, 87
Nearby Vélib’ station

♿ Accessibility:
The exhibition is fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

An exhibition to see, to feel, to share

"Photographing Lebanon’s Heritage, 1864–1970" is not just another exhibition: it is a sensitive and heritage-rich experience, a deeply moving visual testimony that celebrates a country’s richness, the dedication of those who documented it, and the power of art to transmit, protect, and inspire.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness visual treasures of ancient Lebanon, preserved through scientific precision and love for a threatened heritage.

👉 Book your tickets now and let yourself be transported into a Lebanon of the past that still shines light on our present.

Give your group a unique immersion into the history of Lebanon!

Organizing an event for a group of more than 10 people?

Book an exclusive tour of the exhibition "Photographing the Heritage of Lebanon, 1864–1970" now. Explore visual treasures, discover iconic historical sites, and dive into the history of Lebanon through unpublished photographs. Fill out our reservation form!

Feel free to contact us at +33 1 48 74 05 10 for any requests.

Common questions

What is the main theme of the exhibition?

The exhibition showcases historical photographs of Lebanon from 1864 to 1970, highlighting its archaeological sites, landscapes, monuments, and everyday scenes.

Where is the exhibition taking place?

It is held at the Museum of the Arab World Institute (IMA), on the 7th floor, in Paris.

Is this the first time these photos are being shown?

Yes, these photographs from the archives of the Oriental Library of Beirut are being presented for the first time in France.

Which regions of Lebanon are represented?

Several regions are featured, such as the Beqaa, Chouf, Hermel, Metn, Kesrouan, as well as cities like Byblos, Baalbek, Tyre, and Saida.

Who are the photographers featured in the exhibition?

The images were taken by missionaries, archaeologists, and researchers such as Henri Lammens, Gérard de Martimprey, Antoine Poidebard, and Jean Lauffray.