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Tortuga Hobby Works

1996 - Hard Rock Cafe - Beirut - Oud (Mandolin)

1996 - Hard Rock Cafe - Beirut - Oud (Mandolin)

$24.99 USD
$24.99 USD
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   Hard Rock Cafe Beirut opened in 1996 and closed in 2013, after a 17-year run. It was initially seen as a symbol of Beirut's post-war reconstruction. The cafe, located in the Bay View Hotel, was a popular spot for both locals and tourists, known for its American-style food, rock music, and memorabilia collection. 
Here's a more detailed look at the history:
  • Opening and Symbolism: Hard Rock Cafe Beirut opened in the Bay View Hotelin the Ain al-Mreisseh neighborhood in 1996. It was considered a symbol of Beirut's reconstruction after the Lebanese Civil War, opening before even the iconic Phoenicia Hotel. 
  • A Popular Destination:The cafe became a landmark in downtown Beirut, drawing a diverse crowd including rock and pop stars, politicians, diplomats, expats, and locals. It offered a 204-seat restaurant, a guitar-shaped bar, and a stage for live performances. 
  • Closure and Reasons: The cafe closed in September 2013 after 17 years. A decline in tourism, partly due to the war in Syria and a series of explosions and kidnappings, is cited as a major factor in the closure. 
  • Impact and Legacy: Hard Rock Cafe Beirut's closure was a sign of the challenges facing Lebanon's tourism industry and economy. The cafe's closing was met with sadness by both staff and patrons, who remembered it as a place for good food, music, and memorable experiences. 
  • Memorabilia: Like other Hard Rock Cafes, the Beirut location housed a collection of rock and roll memorabilia, including guitars, costumes, and photographs.
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