Lebanon's Venice Biennale Pavilion Amidst Conflict and Cultural Heritage Damage

The Lebanese pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale will present a major installation by artist Nabil Nahas, curated by Nada Ghandour, from May 9 to November 22, 2026. The work, titled 'Don't Get Me Wrong,' is a 45-meter-long frieze of 26 painted panels installed at the Arsenale, incorporating symbols like the cedar and olive tree that reference Lebanese identity and cultural layers. This exhibition occurs against the backdrop of ongoing military conflict in Lebanon, where recent Israeli airstrikes have caused casualties and damaged UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient archaeological area of Tyre. Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salamé has appealed to UNESCO to intervene for the protection of cultural heritage. The pavilion's presentation is framed as an act of cultural resilience, similar to other national participations from regions experiencing tension, such as Cuba's pavilion featuring Roberto Diago.