One of the Middle East’s most prestigious and expensive universities, the AUB was founded in 1866 by American Protestant missionary Daniel Bliss. Spread over 28 tree-filled hectares, it is a true oasis in the heart of a fume-filled city. The on-site archaeological museum was founded in 1868, and has a fine collection of Lebanese and Middle Eastern artefacts dating back to the early Stone Age.
Museum highlights include a Phoenician collection (glass, pottery. coins and steles), a display on the birth of writing and memorial portrait busts from Palmyra in Syria (2nd to 3rd century AD). The recently added mezzanine section displays jewellery, seals, weapons and oil lamps.
Note that the museum is closed during university holidays. Audioguides can be hired for LBP3000.
