Soap Museum
Sidon, Lebanon

The Soap Factory, upon which the museum was added, was built in the mid-18th century by the Hammoud Family who sponsored many large constructions throughout Saida in the Mid-Ottoman Period. It was purchased by the notable Audi family in the late 19th century, who expanded the factory and constructed a large residence above it. The structure had operated as a soap factory for over 300 years until its closure in 1975 due to the outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War. In April 2000, the Audi Foundation completed the renovation of the complex and transformed it into one of the city’s largest and most important museums showcasing the diverse soap production and curation tools and techniques from across the Levant.

The museum also includes an exhibit on how traditional olive oil soap is made, and the history of traditional baths or Hammams in the region. During the renovations, parts of the factory structure were found to date from the 13th century AD, and suggest that the site had housed a large structure. It is also in close proximity to the Saidun Cannanite tell where archaeological evidence of fortifications, a necropolis and residential quarters from the 15th century BC were found. 

Location
Al Moutran; Haret Audi , Sidon, Lebanon
Images & Videos
Associated Names
Part of Site
Events
Built as a Soap Factory
Purchased and Expanded by Audi Family
Style Periods
1096-1291
1299-1922
Variant Names
Mathaf al-Sabun
Transliterated
متحف الصابون
Translated
Building Usages
industrial
public/cultural