Plans for opera house
and new conservatory

China and Oman solicited for support

The Ministry of Culture (MoC) is seeking funds and land to develop an opera house.

Saleh Farroukh, advisor to the MoC, said: “The Sultanate of Oman is interested in developing a cultural center in Beirut.”

The MoC has proposed to Oman to turn the center into an opera house.

“Negotiations are underway,” he said.

According to Farroukh, the opera house will be located in Beirut and would cost at least $50-$70 million.

In order to achieve another major project, The MoC has signed an agreement with China for a grant of $35 million to develop the National Conservatoire for Music in Dbayeh. It will have a land area of 15,000 square meters (m2).

The Conservatoire will include several music halls for training purposes, as well as an amphitheater for concerts, with a capacity of 1,400 seats.

Farroukh said: “The Chinese will prepare the design and take care of construction under the supervision of the Council for Development and Reconstruction.”

The project’s completion date is expected in three years.

The National Conservatoire, which is currently located in Sin el Fil, will continue to operate. The administrative department, however, will be moved to the new location.