The Goethe-Institut celebrated its 70th anniversary in Lebanon with a reception at Rebirth Beirut in Gemmayze on Friday, October 31, bringing together artists, cultural figures, and long-time partners to mark seven decades of cultural collaboration between Lebanon and Germany, the institute said in a statement Monday.
Founded in 1955, the Goethe-Institut has played a central role in promoting dialogue, creativity, and access to the German language in Lebanon, fostering partnerships with artists, institutions, and students. Despite the country’s many challenges, the institute said it continues to stand “as a symbol of exchange and resilience.”
The evening featured two performances by recipients of the AL-MU7AFFIZ Cultural Grant, a Goethe-Institute initiative supporting independent artists and collectives in Lebanon. Visual artist Baha’ Souki presented “Silence in Plastic,” a series exploring the relationship between industrial growth, memory, and landscape, while musician and producer Joy Moughanni performed “A Separation from Habit,” blending archival sounds and experimental electronics to reflect on trauma and collective memory.
Rebirth Beirut’s founder Gaby Fernaine said hosting the event carried deep meaning for the space, which “has always stood for hope, dialogue, and the power of art to revive and renew.” He added that the institute’s anniversary “reminds us that cultural exchange is not only about shared creativity, but shared values, a bridge that connects people even in the hardest times.”
The celebration, organizers said, was both a tribute to the past and a pledge to continue building bridges between Lebanon and Germany through art, language, and cultural exchange.
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