The museum is located in Jahlieh, a village in the Shouf district, you can follow the Google Maps link found below which leads you to the museum.
A ِsmall introduction about Jahlieh village:
Jahlieh (Arabic: جاهلية) is a village in the Chouf District of the Mount Lebanon Governorate in Lebanon, located 35 kilometers (22 mi) southeast of Beirut with an altitude ranging between 400 to 650 meters (1,310 to 2,130 ft) above sea level and a total land area of 250 hectares (620 acres). Jahlieh is bordered by villages of Daraya, Binwayte, Deir Dourit, Baakline. [
more info]Upon your arrival to the museum, you will be welcomed by
Mr. Ghandi Bou Diab, the owner of the museum. Mr. Ghandi is a true artist full of vision, respect, and humility.The entrance of the museum is still undergoing work, yet you will quickly feel the fresh air and coolness of the area while sitting and gazing around on the rocks and wooden benches under the trees.The project is expanding. Mr. Ghandi is working on opening a small restaurant and, a library with accommodation.The entrance to the cave is very beautiful, surrounded by trees with huge rocks used as a path to the cellars. A model that depicts hope in a future Lebanon through its complexity and 18 religious sects is present at the entrance of the first room.Various tools, music instruments, baskets, and old utensils are properly displayed in the first room, some of the items are made by Mr. Ghandi himself using the
traditional methods known to each era. Small steps lead you from one room to another or more appropriately from one era to the next.Tunnel-shaped stairs take you down to the breathtaking room that dates back to 400 years (
Ottoman cellars). These cellars hold some agricultural tools, a coffee bean grinder, jars, clothes, a crib, a small opening on the right will lead you to the final room that holds a great collection of paintings that represent life in the village.
One may wish to only visit the art museum which will cost you 15.000LL/person, or one may wish to spend the day in the village. If you wish to spend the day, you can embark on a hike which Mr. Ghandi will cater to your group’s needs. This offer includes a saj breakfast, the hike, and a visit to the museum.
