Restoring and Preserving the Lebanese National Collection of Classical and Modern Art (1880-1995)

The Lebanese National Collection of Classic and Modern Art (1880–1995), comprising approximately 3,000 works, faced significant risks due to environmental degradation, inadequate storage conditions, and security vulnerabilities. The project enabled the full conservation of 42 paintings and works on paper, while more than 165 additional artworks benefited from emergency dusting, stabilization, digitization, and condition assessment—the first conservation interventions carried out on these collections in over 30 years. It also supported the safe transportation of 60 artworks from several national institutions, assessed storage conditions for part of the collection, and provided specialized conservation equipment. In parallel, 16 local trainees and a Ministry of Culture collection caretaker received professional training, strengthening Lebanon’s long-term capacity to safeguard and manage its national art collection.