Every stain, crack, and layer of paint inside the historic Mar Mikhael Train Station workshop tells part of Lebanon’s railway history. Rather than erasing these traces of time, a dedicated conservation team is working to preserve them, ensuring that the station’s industrial identity remains visible for future generations.
This conservation work is part of the Rehabilitation of the Mar Mikhael Train Station “Industrial Heritage Park” project, initiated by the Railway and Public Transport Authority and the Directorate General of Antiquities, funded by the Government of Italy through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and implemented by UNESCO. The project seeks to transform the historic station into a vibrant cultural and public space while safeguarding the authenticity that makes it unique.
Unlike conventional restoration, the conservation of mural surfaces focuses on protecting the site’s historical layers rather than returning them to a pristine condition. Bullet impacts, grease stains from decades of locomotive maintenance, weathering, and the marks left by years of railway operations are all being carefully conserved as evidence of the station’s evolving story.
It is important to preserve every chapter of this site—from its construction and years of operation, through the war and its abandonment. We are not trying to erase these layers of history, but to conserve them so visitors can understand how this place evolved over time. By bringing the station back to life, people will once again be able to experience the space and appreciate what it was originally built for.Alongside the technical conservation work, the project is also investing in people. Working under the guidance of the conservation expert are two young Lebanese women who are strengthening their practical skills through an intensive on-site capacity-building programme. Building on previous training delivered under the supervision of the Directorate General of Antiquities / Ministry of Culture, they are now applying advanced conservation techniques directly on one of Lebanon’s most significant industrial heritage sites.
“I am part of the team restoring the mural paintings in what used to be a workshop space to maintain the locomotives,” says Nour Khayralah, a member of the restoration and mural conservation team. “We were trained through projects by the Directorate General of Antiquities/Ministry of Culture and and have worked on several heritage sites. Every project teaches us something new, but this one is especially meaningful because we are learning so many new conservation techniques while working on a site with such rich history.”
Her colleague, Yara Mahdi, shares the same sense of purpose.
“What motivates me most through these projects is that we are helping preserve our heritage for future generations.”
Beyond preserving a historic landmark, the initiative demonstrates how heritage conservation can create opportunities for the next generation of professionals. Through direct mentorship, hands-on practice, and knowledge transfer from international and national experts, young conservators are gaining valuable experience that strengthens their professional skills, expands future employment opportunities, and contributes to building Lebanon’s long-term capacity in cultural heritage conservation.
As conservation progresses, the Mar Mikhael Train Station is gradually being prepared for a new chapter—one that welcomes visitors while remaining faithful to its past. By preserving both the physical traces of history and investing in the people who will protect them in the future, the project ensures that the station’s industrial legacy continues to inspire generations to come.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/preserving-stories-written-walls-women-conservators-safeguard-mar-mikhael-train-stations-industrial?hub=701
