Lebanese artist creates sculptures from conflict remains in 'Shazaya' museum

In the village of Remhala in Aley city in Lebanon, Lebanese artist, Charles Joseph Nassar, has turned the remains of war into artwork.

His work is displayed at the 'Shazaya' museum which showcases a unique collection of "over 30 or 40 years of work, pieces made from the shrapnel of wars," Nassar said.

The artwork is displayed "outdoors and indoors, from a mesmerizing cave gallery to a striking metal treehouse," the museum's website said.

Nassar, who produced the works over years, said he faced challenges from excavating the tunnel to managing humidity and temperature for the displays.

In 2024, the Lebanese Ministry of Culture officially added 'Shazaya' museum to the country’s national museum list, according to the museum's website.

The museum has attracted positive responses from visitors. A school teacher who took her students to the museum said it "contains all the pain of the Lebanese people and is turning the pain of the Lebanese into a message of hope." 

-Ahmad Al Kerdi and Melory Ghazi