Byblos Archaeological Treasures on Display at Institut du Monde Arabe

The Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) in Paris is hosting a major exhibition dedicated to the ancient Phoenician city of Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The show, titled "Byblos à l’IMA, le parti pris de l’esthétique," emphasizes the aesthetic dimension of artifacts from the site, presenting them as works of art rather than purely archaeological objects. The exhibition brings together a selection of pieces from Lebanese museums and international collections, including sculptures, sarcophagi, jewelry, and architectural fragments spanning from the Neolithic to the Roman period. Byblos, located in present-day Lebanon, was a key trading hub and cultural crossroads in the ancient Mediterranean, known for its export of papyrus (from which the word "Bible" derives) and its influence on the Phoenician alphabet. The IMA's approach deliberately foregrounds the visual beauty and craftsmanship of the objects, aiming to engage a broader public beyond specialists. The exhibition runs from spring 2026 and is curated by a team of archaeologists and art historians. It is accompanied by a catalog published by the IMA and a series of lectures and workshops. The show is part of a renewed focus on Levantine heritage in French institutions.