Project
Assistance to the rehabilitation of the Sursock Palace
With an unimpeded view to the Beirut Port and the Mediterranean Sea, the 19th century Sursock Palace suffered important damages due to the 4 August 2020 port explosion. The North elevation which bore the brunt of the blast, being only about 800 meters away from the centre of the explosion, suffered from a huge out-of-plane deformation. The red tiled roofs were severely punctured, and every single window and door was shattered, leaving the entire edifice open to the weather elements.
Photos showing the damages quickly surfaced on social networks and media outlets, attesting the Palace’s symbolism to the Beiruti community. It became an image of the Beirut’s destruction.
Thanks to the generous financial contribution from the Swiss Confederation and funds from the Sursock Palace Association, UNESCO will execute the most urgent intervention, namely the structural restoration of the Northern elevation and the restoration of the two related Northern pitched roofs. The main aim is to recreate the lost structural continuity of the palace starting by the most affected areas.
This project falls under LiBeirut initiative launched by Director-General of UNESCO in the aftermath of the 4 August Port explosions putting education, culture and heritage at the heart of reconstruction efforts. Through this initiative the UNESCO committed to apply the highest internationally recognized professional standards for the recovery and reconstruction of Beirut’s culture and heritage respecting the city’s history and supporting its creative energy in the framework of UN assistance to Lebanon.
The Palace has been selected as a priority intervention by UNESCO because of its Architectural and Urban Significance, its value for the History of Beirut and its Neighbourhood Value. In a city where public spaces and spaces for artistic performances are missing, UNESCO is also eager to support the initiative Surscok Palace Association to open the palace to the public, to host cultural events, and to give a space (indoor and outdoor) for small cultural and creative industries and artists to expose their works to the public and engage with the community.
Call for Applicants
We are delighted to announce the launch of the Capacity-Building Field School in Traditional Woodwork Restoration.
This program, organized by UNESCO, offers a unique opportunity for aspiring young carpenters to receive hands-on training and specialize in traditional woodwork techniques. Participants will have the privilege to contribute, under the guidance of experienced craftspeople and specialists, to the restoration of the delicate and distinctive embellished carpentry of the iconic triple-arched bay of Sursock Palace’s north elevation.
This endeavor is not only a testament to our commitment to preserving Beirut's cultural heritage but also acts as a catalyst for community empowerment and capacity building. The program aims to preserve the invaluable know-how of heritage trades, promote best practices in restoration, and foster the development of a competent workforce capable of preserving the country’s heritage.
If you're passionate about traditional woodwork and keen to improve your skills in this field, we invite you to complete the application form below by 11 June.
This program is part of the Assistance to the Rehabilitation of the Sursock Palace project funded by the Swiss Confederation and the Sursock Palace Association.
