APJ

We warmly thank Michael Young, editor of Diwan, Carnegie Middle East Center, for his illuminating reflection, shared on X (Twitter) by the account "Tweets for Lebanon".

This wonderful piece resonates deeply with our values. By describing the museum's creation as an act of "presence" and hope, it highlights the cultural and social commitment that APJ strives to uphold in service to Lebanon.

"A House for Memory: Philippe Jabre and the Museum of Beit Chabab.

In Lebanon, where the state is often absent, it is private citizens, foundations, and local NGOs who step in to fill the void. Philippe Jabre (@PhilippeJabre) is one such figure. Known internationally for his work in finance, Jabre has in recent years reengaged with Lebanon with a combination of thoughtfulness and determination.

Through his foundation, @APJLebanon, he has supported education, medical care, and social initiatives. In December 2021, he acquired majority ownership of Brasserie Almaza, Lebanon’s leading beer producer, which had been under foreign control since 2003—bringing it back into Lebanese hands.

But perhaps his most significant contribution has been the creation of a space that houses a unique collection of artworks showing not only how the country once looked, but how it was once seen.

In his native Beit Chabab, Jabre has transformed his family’s summer residence into a museum. At the heart of this endeavor is Gaby Daher—an art expert and the curator and conservator of the collection since 1989. Together, Jabre and Daher have built a space that reflects the country through early travel posters, sepia-toned photographs, delicate watercolors, and paintings by a diverse range of artists and travelers—mainly Orientalist painters, alongside Lebanese and international artists—who have depicted its landscapes, people, and spirit. This is not a museum in the traditional sense, but something more intimate—and more ambitious: a house of memory.

If you are in Lebanon, make time to visit this rare place in Beit Chabab. While the museum is not yet regularly open to the public, you can follow the Philippe Jabre Art Collection on Instagram and Facebook to stay informed about special events and openings. And if you cannot make the journey, a selection of travel posters from Jabre’s collection is currently on view at the Al-Said Pavilion of the National Museum of Beirut—another beautiful, polychromatic window into Lebanon’s past.

In a country too often described through deficiencies—in leadership, policy, and continuity—Jabre’s endeavor represents, on the contrary, a form of presence, a personal affirmation of hope. It is a reminder that even when the center falters, the margins can still hold light."

Tweet source: https://x.com/mireille961/status/1973744796133978181