Arab World Institute

The Institute of the Arab World (IMA) is a Parisian cultural institute dedicated to the Arab world. Exhibitions are really great there and it is a must-see !

It is supported by a foundation established jointly by the French Republic and the following States, all of which are members of the Arab League: Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen.

Designed by Jean Nouvel and Architecture-Studio, the south façade takes up the historical themes of Arabic geometry as it is composed of 240 moucharabiehs. The latter are provided with diaphragms which can be opened and closed.

The objective of the IMA is to develop and deepen in France the study, knowledge, and understanding of the Arab world, its language, its civilization and its development.

Thus, every exhibition is deliberately turned towards the contemporary period and brings together the sources of classical Arab culture.

So what more will you find there ?
– A library which presents, through its encyclopedic and multilingual collections, Arab culture and civilization. (access is free, but it is not possible to borrow books)
– A smoking room;
– An audiovisual room where you can see news from Arab countries and films;
– A center for learning the Arabic language;
– A gourmet restaurant with a view of Paris;
– A shop where handicrafts are sold;