SHARES

From March 24 to August 23, 2026, the Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) in Paris, France, is hosting one of its most ambitious exhibitions of the year: "Byblos, Millennial City of Lebanon."

Dedicated to one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, the exhibition traces more than 9,000 years of Byblos' history, showcasing its transformation from a small fishing settlement into one of the Mediterranean's first international ports and a major hub connecting Lebanon with Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Aegean world.

Around 400 exceptional artefacts are on display, including royal treasures, gold jewellery, ceremonial weapons, Egyptian gifts presented by the pharaohs, the famous Obelisk of Abishemu, and recently excavated discoveries from Byblos' ancient harbour. Visitors can also explore a remarkably well-preserved Bronze Age necropolis, discovered only recently and presented to the public for the first time.

The exhibition also highlights Byblos' pivotal role in the spread of the Phoenician alphabet, reinforcing the city's lasting influence on Mediterranean civilisation.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Byblos remains one of Lebanon's greatest archaeological treasures, and this exhibition offers international audiences a rare opportunity to experience its remarkable legacy through immersive scenography and never-before-seen discoveries.