Arab World Institute

The Arab World Institute is a cultural center and museum in the fifth arrondissement of Paris, presenting Arab art and contemporary expressions. The southern facade displays geometric patterns with motorized diaphragms that regulate daylight throughout the building and recall traditional mashrabiya screens.

France and eighteen Arab nations founded this institution in 1980 to promote cultural dialogue between Europe and the Arab world. Architect Jean Nouvel completed construction in 1987 during the presidency of François Mitterrand.

The name reflects the partnership between France and Arab countries, visible in the exhibition spaces and multilingual signage throughout the building. Visitors today watch calligraphy workshops and concerts with traditional instruments that bring together modern and classical expressions from the Arab world.

The building opens on Tuesday through Friday from ten in the morning and on weekends with longer hours until seven in the evening. Metro lines seven and ten bring visitors directly to the door on the left bank of the Seine.

The north facade uses mirrored glass panels that reflect the river and Parisian surroundings, creating a visual conversation between European and Arab architecture. The mechanical diaphragms open and close automatically depending on the position of the sun, producing changing light patterns inside the rooms.

Location: 5th arrondissement of Paris

Inception: November 30, 1987

Architects: Jean Nouvel, Architecture-Studio

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Fee: Yes

Opening Hours: Monday off; Tuesday-Friday 10:00-18:00; Saturday-Sunday,Holidays 10:00-19:00

Phone: +33140513838

Website: http://imarabe.org

GPS coordinates: 48.84890,2.35704

Latest update: December 5, 2025 16:30