The city of Byblos—one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and among the most significant Phoenician ports—is gearing up for a groundbreaking cultural milestone in the spring of 2026, with the launch of Lebanon’s first interactive digital museum, titled “The Great Phoenician Journey.”

This innovative project, executed by the Lebanese company Hybrid Experience, goes far beyond a traditional exhibition. It represents a radical shift in how Lebanese history is narrated, using multimedia technology, virtual reality, and immersive visual and sound effects.

A Multi-Sensory Experience That Rewrites Lebanon’s Maritime Heritage

Visitors will embark on a virtual journey spanning thousands of years, from the ancient ports of Tyre, Sidon, and Byblos to the Mediterranean shores reached by the Phoenicians.

The museum delivers history in a fresh, unconventional format through:

- Interactive maps tracing Phoenician trade routes

- Simulated digital voyages aboard ancient-style ships

- A sensory-driven installation showcasing the evolution of the Phoenician alphabet

Immersive audio-visual effects that make the visitor part of the narrative

This experience is not designed solely for scholars or students. It targets families, tourists, and anyone seeking to view Lebanon through a new lens—one of innovation, creativity, and pride in its identity.

A Step With Cultural, Economic, and Technological Dimensions

1. Cultural and Identity Impact

Amid Lebanon’s ongoing crises, the country is asserting once more: We have a global history—and the ability to tell it in the world’s most modern languages.

Highlighting Phoenician achievements—from the alphabet to seafaring—reinforces national belonging and reconnects Lebanese people to their Mediterranean heritage.

2. Tourism and Economic Impact

The museum marks Lebanon’s entry into the booming global sector of creative tourism, one of the fastest-growing cultural industries.

Digital immersive experiences have become major tourism drivers, especially for young people and travelers seeking “experiential” attractions.

The museum is expected to become a year-round destination, boosting Byblos’ economy by:

- Increasing visitor numbers

- Stimulating hotels, restaurants, and local businesses

- Creating new jobs in cultural technology

3. Technological and Creative Impact

Despite its challenges, Lebanon continues to showcase its local talent in immersive digital experiences—a field flourishing worldwide.

The fact that a project of this scale is being developed locally places Lebanon back on the innovation map.

Toward a “New Lebanon” That Tells Its Past Through the Technology of the Future

Digital transformation expert Elias El Achkar told Safa News:

“This museum is not merely a tourism project—it is a foundational step toward Lebanon’s entry into the cultural digital experience industry. The world is moving toward non-traditional museums where art merges with technology. Lebanon joining this sector could establish an entirely new industry capable of generating significant revenue and restoring the country’s cultural prominence in the region.”

He adds:

“The real message is that Lebanon—even amid collapse—can still innovate and lead. Projects like this reshape the country’s image abroad, from a land of crises to a hub of creativity.”

Why Byblos?

Byblos is the natural point of departure:

- A city with 7,000 years of history

- Birthplace of the alphabet

- One of the most important Phoenician maritime ports

- A unique blend of heritage and modern tourism

Choosing Byblos is a message in itself:

Lebanon does not merely cling to its past—it reinvents that past to build a new future.

Toward 2026: Lebanon Enters the Age of Interactive Tourism

“The Great Phoenician Journey” is expected to be only the beginning of a wider cultural movement:

Similar projects on Phoenician kings, the alphabet, and ancient seafaring

Digital tours of Baalbek and Tyre’s temples

Collaborations between Lebanese artists and tech companies to create contemporary cultural content

Lebanon has the potential to become a regional hub for digital cultural experiences—if investment continues.

A Museum That Is More Than a Museum

The opening of Lebanon’s first interactive digital museum in Byblos in 2026 is not just a cultural project.

It is a message of hope, an economic opportunity, a technological leap, and a proud return to Lebanon’s roots as a global maritime civilization.

It is proof that—despite every challenge—Lebanon remains capable of creativity, leadership, and shaping its future.