Founded in 1868, the American University of Beirut Museum is one of the oldest museums in the Middle East. It displays a collection of Lebanese and Middle Eastern artifacts, including weapons, tools, crafts, statues, pottery, and jewelry along with an impressive collection of Phoenician glass and Arab coins dating back to the Fifth century BC. The museum hosts periodic lectures throughout the year. It also hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops and activities for children. It also participates in ongoing excavations in Lebanon and Syria. It can be visited on all days of the week except Saturday, Sunday and holidays.