Byblos Exhibition at Institut du monde arabe Explores City's Turbulent History

The Institut du monde arabe in Paris presents 'Byblos dans le fracas du monde', an exhibition running until August 23, 2026. Curated by Marie Zawisza, the show examines the ancient Lebanese city of Byblos through the lens of global conflicts and cultural exchanges. Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, is explored via archaeological artifacts, contemporary artworks, and historical documents. The exhibition highlights how the city has been shaped by successive civilizations—Phoenician, Roman, Crusader, Ottoman—and its role as a crossroads of trade and war. Key pieces include Phoenician inscriptions, medieval weaponry, and works by Lebanese artists responding to modern upheavals. The show aims to contextualize Byblos's resilience amid regional turmoil, drawing parallels between its past and present. The Institut du monde arabe, a Parisian institution dedicated to Arab culture, hosts the exhibition in its galleries. The article, published in L'ŒIL magazine's June 2026 issue, notes the exhibition's ambitious scope and its relevance to contemporary geopolitical issues.