The show goes on
Beirut’s Grand Theatre wins a new lease on life.
LENSLAB / ALAMY
The Beirut Grand Theatre, also known as Le Grand Théâtre des Mille et Une Nuits, opened its doors in 1929. Designed by Youssef Aftimos and built by Jacques Tabet, it quickly become one of the city’s leading cultural venues. World-class opera, theatre, and music drew audiences from across the region, including appearances by the legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, until conflict in the 1970s forced its closure and began its decline. Its auditorium began to crumble; balconies grew precarious; the glorious stained-glass ceiling cracked and shattered. One of the last landmarks of pre-war Beirut was left to the ravages of time.
But the Grand Theatre has been given a new lease on life thanks to the generous financial support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
A long-standing champion of culture and heritage in the Arab world, His Highness issued a decree through the Sharjah Department of Culture to partner with UNESCO in restoring the historic theatre, a symbol of Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage. The agreement was signed at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris last September where His Excellency Abdullah Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture, emphasised the importance of cultural cooperation between nations and international organisations. The initiative, he said, reflects a shared commitment to fostering societies enriched by arts and culture.
Sharjah will fund the first phase of restoration, focused on stabilising the structure and shaping a long-term cultural project, in consultation with the municipality, Lebanon’s Ministry of Culture, and civil society. Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s Director-General, praised the initiative as vital to Beirut’s cultural recovery and future artistic exchange. —Anna Seaman
