Lebanon has long been the center of the contemporary art world in the Middle East, and the safe heaven of the region intellectuals, renowned for the eye and skill of its artists. Nowhere is this more aptly displayed than at the Sursock Museum in Achrafiyé. The museum houses a collection of modern and contemporary Lebanese art and presents themed exhibits and international collections. If you’re interested in starting your own private collection or just browsing, be sure to take in a gallery opening or view a collection. Beirut’s galleries are too numerous to mention, but Galleries Zaman, Janine Rubeiz, and Aida Cherfan are a few of the well-respected.