Goethe-Institut Lebanon

The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a global reach. We promote knowledge of the German language abroad and foster international cultural cooperation. We convey a comprehensive image of Germany by providing information about cultural, social and political life in our nation. Our cultural and educational programmes encourage intercultural dialogue and enable cultural involvement. They strengthen the development of structures in civil society and foster worldwide mobility.

With our network of Goethe-Instituts, Goethe Centres, cultural societies, reading rooms and exam and language learning centres, we have been the first point of contact for many with Germany for over sixty years. Our long-lasting partnerships with leading institutions and individuals in over ninety countries create enduring trust in Germany. We are partners for all who actively engage with Germany and its culture, working independently and without political ties.

The Goethe-Institut in Lebanon organizes and supports a broad spectrum of cultural events that present German culture and promote international cultural exchange. The work of our language department concentrates on training workshops and seminars for teachers of German as a foreign language. It also offers a comprehensive examination program.

The Media Lounge of Goethe-Institut Libanon performs the function of a location for learning, encounters and events, and offers up-to-date information on culture, politics and society in Germany. In addition, events are regularly organised in cooperation with Lebanese partners. The Media Lounge is open to the public and has a media collection that can be borrowed.

The Goethe Institute in Lebanon reopened its doors. After the relocation and extensive renovation of the new building in the Beirut district of Gemmayzeh, the main services of the Goethe-Institute are again reunited under one roof. The new media lounge invites visitors to explore the latest trends in German and European art, film, dance, music and philosophy. The class rooms on the first floor are equipped with interactive smart boards, and provide the ideal conditions for learning German.

The new media lounge is intended as a room in which artists and visitors have the possibility to try out new ideas, blur boundaries and question established viewpoints. Beforehand, 'Architects for Change', a group of local designers, organised a number of workshops to analyse the requirements which the staff, students and partners of the Institute would have in relation to the new building. The result is a highly versatile facility with designer furniture and lots of plants, which invites visitors not just to browse the bookshelves but also to work with iPads. The room can also be quickly converted into an event space.

The Goethe-Institut Libanon celebrated the reopening of its premises at the new location in Gemmayzeh. Around 250 guests participated in the official reception at which the new Institute was presented to its partners. The aim is to promote cultural dialogue in the new media lounge, and to create space for new projects. On the evening of the reopening this was immediately put into effect by Ary Jan Sarhan from Syria and Miran Gurunian, who had composed three new pieces and performed them exclusively for the guests. The result was a mixture of gentle buzuq melodies, mixed with electronic vibes and Armenian songs.