A City Under Siege Yet Unbroken
Amid the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, the ancient city of Byblos has found a voice far from home. The Arab World Institute in Paris is staging an exhibition titled Byblos, Millennia-old City of Lebanon, opening on March 24, 2026, that celebrates the city’s historical depth and cultural significance. Byblos continues to assert its identity, showcasing a heritage that has survived for thousands of years. Some of the most precious objects could not travel to Paris due to security concerns, leaving empty display cases that speak as powerfully as the artifacts themselves.

Artifacts as Cultural Resistance
Under the careful curation of Tania Zaven, director of the Byblos archaeological site, jars, amulets, gold ornaments, and animal-decorated axes are more than relics—they are symbols of resilience and cultural resistance. Each piece conveys stories of Byblos as a hub of trade and civilization, reminding visitors that even under modern threats, the city’s historical and cultural memory endures. Zaven emphasizes that the exhibition is “a form of cultural resistance,” a statement that connects the past to the present and underscores the importance of safeguarding heritage in times of conflict.

A Crossroads of Civilizations
Byblos has historically been a gateway between civilizations, connecting the Levant with Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Aegean. Its port played a decisive role in the spread of the Phoenician alphabet and in trade that shaped Mediterranean history. The exhibition highlights this significance, showing how the city influenced architecture, commerce, and culture across regions. Visitors are invited to explore both the grandeur of Byblos’ past and the fragility of its present, where centuries of cultural achievement coexist with modern challenges.

Heritage That Speaks to the World
The exhibition not only preserves history but also sparks dialogue on the importance of protecting cultural heritage. Byblos’ artifacts, displayed in Paris, tell a story of endurance and identity, demonstrating that art and culture are essential to understanding both a city and a nation. For Lebanon, this exhibition is a reminder that its contribution to human civilization cannot be erased, even in times of war. Byblos endures, speaking across time, and inviting the world to witness its beauty, resilience, and invaluable role in history.