Beirut to honour iconic singer Fairouz with new museum

The childhood home of iconic artist Fairouz will be transformed into a museum in tribute to the star’s legacy, Lebanon’s Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada told The New Arab on Thursday.

The house in Beirut’s historic Zuqaq al-Blat neighbourhood will be renovated to preserve its traditional Lebanese style which consists of red roofs, stonewalls and triple arches.

It will include exhibitions showcasing Fairouz’s life and her long and rich career in music and film.

Fairouz, born Nohad Haddad, turned 90 in November. She currently lives in Rabieh, an upscale hill town northeast of Beirut.

The project was approved by the culture ministry in coordination with the National Heritage Foundation, Mortada told TNA, adding that talks for the project began in 2022.

“We began the process for ownership of the property in 2022, and discussions began later that year on how the project will go forth,” the minister said.

But he said the project was delayed due to the Gaza war which erupted in October 2023, and the subsequent Israeli war on Lebanon which ended in a November ceasefire deal.

“The National Heritage Foundation will oversee the project and fund it through their channels, including donors such as the Lebanese diaspora, similar to what we did with the new Nuhad Es-Said Pavilion for Culture,” he said, referring to a new addition to the National Museum in Beirut which opened in November.

Asked about the ministry’s upcoming projects, Mortada pointed to the Academy of Arabic Language in Lebanon in the northern port city of Tripoli and a national committee for the works of Lebanese creators.

Mortada, previously a judge, will soon hand over his position to a new minister once a cabinet is formed under Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam.

Salam was expected to announce his cabinet lineup on Thursday was yet to reach an agreement with Parliament Speaker and Amal Movement leader Nabih Berri over the names of some Shia ministers.