^^ Interesting... It looks like its generally in good condition...was it in the process of being restored?

^^ It's like this for many years I presume. The exterior (specially from the front) is indeed in good condition. But the interior needs lot of works. It seems that the project has been halted due to some reason. (Political reasons maybe?)

Wow,they should keep it,restore it and not transforming it to a hotel.

^^ That's true there are way too many hotels in Beirut but not enough theaters.

I think they proposed to turn it into a few restaurants on the ground and the first floor and into NightClubs Terraces on the upper-floors

Hassoun said:

Wow,they should keep it,restore it and not transforming it to a hotel.

Click to expand...

But why is the delay?

The Solidere 2005 Annual Report talks about the Grand Theatre and how they will be transforming it into a boutique hotel by combining it with an existing small adjacent building and constructing a new building on an adjacent lot.

^^ Thanks LC. Hope that soon they'll continue the works.

Here is an update from the 2006 Solidere Annual Report:

Grand Theatre renderings

Link to some renderings - focused on the volume, and on the back of the building showing the new addition (have edited to upload images ):

http://www.architecture-studio.fr/Architecturestudio.php?rubrique=EtudesDetail&ID=BEY2#

i just think it's so stupid turning this theater into a hotel...

AT least there are going to be Bars offering artistic performances..it keeps the spirit alive..they can be theatres with seating etc..like we have in the states but its still a "club"

(I dont know who took this pic or when it was taken)

^^ The above pic is pretty old.
It was taken at least one year and four or five months ago. Reasons: no tent city, Landmark plot is not enclosed.

About the building, it is still at its previous status.

Sneaking into the Grand Theatre

Hi everyone, really enjoyed your comments on the Theatre. I've recently posted my adventure sneaking into the place and I've posted many pictures of the inside on my blog at www.beirutreport.blogspot.com. I've linked back to this thread as well and to those who posted images of the exterior. Would love to hear your comments/memories/stories if my new pictures evoke any.

Your article is excellent! Thanks for sharing to exclusive photos!

hahah whats up habib? good to see you on ssc! And nice report on the grand theater, I cant believe this is also becoming a hotel........ I'm suprised the churches and mosques arent turned into hotels or stores too

Welcome Habib! Thank you for sharing your experience and these rare photos of a site that most of us thought we would never have the chance to see. Can I ask how you were able to sneak in and out of this restricted site without being stopped by the very tight BCD security?

I certainly hope the interior is restored to resemble the original style and theme.

habib battah said:

Hi everyone, really enjoyed your comments on the Theatre. I've recently posted my adventure sneaking into the place and I've posted many pictures of the inside on my blog at www.beirutreport.blogspot.com. I've linked back to this thread as well and to those who posted images of the exterior. Would love to hear your comments/memories/stories if my new pictures evoke any.

Click to expand...

^^ maybe hes just naturally sneaky?