Lebanese photographers capture how one of the city's oldest architectural landmarks has come to life following weeks of protests

In the 1960’s, Architect Joseph Philippe Karam built The Egg, a cinema-shopping complex located in downtown Beirut. The egg-shaped structure has hardly survived the civil war, and was left since then abandoned, untouched and unrestored. Every few years, the building faces the ongoing threat of being demolished; yet is always saved by activists who push for its preservation and restoration.

Today, weeks into protests against the current political system, The Egg appears back into sight as a revolutionary landmark and a historical monument that has survived the test of time.

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Under the slogan “Lebanon Rises”, protestors have been spotted climbing up to the roof of this crumbling structure for an exceptional view of the protests – idealistically climbing towards a better future.

The Egg has witnessed professors holding classes, lectures, and discussions around the theme of protests, democracy, and youth movements. Activists have been screening Lebanese films, projecting documentaries, including ones about iconic Lebanese filmmakers. With more than 500 people present in this war-scarred ruin, the youthful are directing their anger into music, organising techno parties during the night to express their frustration in peaceful manner. Similarly, artists have been tattooing the walls with graffiti, hoping to deliver the message of the people, through art, to the establishment.

After years of neglect, The Egg is finally alive. In just a couple of days, it quickly grew to become a house for cultural and artistic activities, and has been, since then, extending beyond its physical limits, in a continuous process of “becoming something” – part of the public space and an extension to the city.