The Egg

Why does this colossal concrete structure resemble a cracked eggshell? Welcome to The Egg of Beirut, a landmark as peculiar as its nickname. The Egg, officially part of the unfinished Beirut City Center, was envisioned as the Middle East’s first mall. Its architect, Joseph Philippe Karam, designed it during Lebanon’s golden age in 1965, a time when Beirut was hailed as the “Paris of the Middle East.” The Egg, initially designed as a cinema within the complex, began construction amidst this optimistic era. Imagine a bustling city center, a hub of commerce and entertainment. This was the dream of Beirut City Center, with The Egg as its centerpiece. Sadly, the Lebanese Civil War erupted in 1975, halting the project. Only The Egg, its platforms, pilotis, underground parking, and one of the planned two towers were completed. Even that lone tower was later demolished. The Egg became a silent witness to the conflict, its shell scarred by bullet holes and the ravages of war. For years after the war, The Egg remained inaccessible, a ghostly reminder of a bygone era. Downtown Beirut was rebuilt, but The Egg stayed untouched, a forgotten monument. The 2019 protests changed everything. Barriers were torn down, and people reclaimed The Egg. It became a canvas for art, a venue for raves, and a space for film screenings. This once-abandoned structure became a symbol of resilience, a testament to the spirit of Beirut. Today, The Egg stands as a poignant reminder of Beirut’s tumultuous past and its enduring hope. It’s a space where history and art intertwine, where the echoes of war mingle with the energy of renewal. Visit The Egg, and you’ll witness a unique piece of Beirut’s history, a story etched in concrete and brought to life by the people.