Beirut: Under the patronage of H.E. Haneen Sayed, Minister of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Social Affairs reopened the House of Artisans in Ain Mreisseh, Beirut. The ceremony was attended by national, cultural, and public figures alongside a group of Lebanese artisans, marking the revival of this historic landmark.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, the reopening event culminates the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to preserve Lebanon’s heritage and promote craftsmanship as a vital component of national identity. The House of Artisans, first established in 1963, serves as a hub for craftsmanship and skill, offering a platform for exhibition, training, and cultural exchange. It aims to empower artisans, particularly women, and reconnect Lebanon with the world through its artistry and handmade creations.
The ceremony highlighted a shared national commitment to reviving Lebanese crafts, with attendance from the newly appointed House of Artisans Committee and representatives of official institutions, international organizations, and partners. The House of Artisans was originally established to showcase the work of craftsmen and women from villages across Lebanon. The unique building design by Lebanese architects, in collaboration with French architect Jean-No«l Conan, reflects a synthesis of tradition and modernity.
After being closed for many years due to the Civil War, the House reopened in 2000 and has since embraced artisans from across Lebanon. The reopening is celebrated with the exhibition “Across Time,” exploring the legacy of traditional crafts across the Levant and focusing on Lebanese production.
Minister Haneen Sayed emphasized the reopening as a statement of Lebanon’s determination to rise again, noting its symbolic significance in reflecting the country’s resilience. She highlighted the role of the Ministry of Social Affairs in protecting living heritage and promoting craftsmanship as part of Lebanon’s cultural identity. The newly appointed committee, led by President Dania Haffar Bazzy, is committed to supporting artisans through workshops and training programs to enhance skills and market access.
The Ministry and the committee expressed gratitude to partners and contributors, including UCA Insurance, AddBloom, and Sept Winery, among others, for their support in making the event successful. The exhibition “Across Time,” curated by Joy Mardini and William Wehbe for Babylon – The Agency, will be on view until November 15, 2025.