Bayt al-Aqqad (Arabic: بيت العقاد) (Aqqad House) is an old Damascene house that hosts the Danish Institute in Damascus, Syria. The history of the building is more than 2000 years: Remains of the theatre of Herod the Great were found in the outer walls and now forms a part of the wall in the secretary’s office. Other parts of the house include the northern and southern buildings which were built in the late 15th century in a late Mamluk style and decoration. The winter hall dates back to the middle of the 18th century and other rooms were built around the same time. In their present form the two wings to the east and west date back to the end of the 19th century.[1]
The building was restored during a period of four-years under an agreement between the Syrian and Danish governments. According to the agreement the house would be let out to the Institute for free for a period of 50 years; in return for restoration expenses and continual upkeep.[2]