A new museum of Modern and contemporary art in Lebanon has moved a step closer to becoming a reality with the announcement of the shortlisted architects for the project.
The 2,780 sq. m museum, which will be located in central Beirut close to the National Museum, is due to open by 2020. Representatives from the Association for the Promotion and Exhibition of the Arts in Lebanon (Apeal), the non-profit organization behind the museum, have signed a long-term lease agreement with the Université Saint Joseph for the site. Apeal has also launched an ambitious private fundraising campaign to build the new museum.
Youssef Tohme Architects and Associates of Beirut and Paris-based Lina Ghotmeh/DGT architects are among the 13 shortlisted practices. The winning design will be announced this autumn, while the search for the founding director is under way.
“The museum is envisioned as a multidisciplinary hub of art and design dedicated to showcasing Modern and contemporary Lebanese culture. Its collections and program are being developed with the aim of bringing together diverse populations and narratives from the region and beyond,” says a statement posted on Apeal’s website.
The Art Newspaper
26 May
