Institut du monde arabe

The Institut du monde arabe, a bridge between East and West in Paris

Opened in 1987, in the heart of historic Paris, in the 5th arrondissement, the Arab World Institute quickly became part of the very dense cultural fabric of the capital. Created by a collective of architects (Jean Nouvel, Gilbert Lezenes, Pierre Soria and Architecture Studio), the Arab World Institute is a unique place for the modernity of its architecture. The building constitutes an allegorical synthesis between Eastern and Western architectural concepts. You can thus discover a whole series of architectural elements from the oriental tradition here reinterpreted: moucharabiehs of the façade, ryad (inner courtyard) and ziggurat of the book tower. The Arab World Institute, which has had an Arab-Muslim art museum, a library, an auditorium and a bookshop since its inception, has year after year been able to offer its public a very diversified programme, covering all fields of art and culture in the Arab world - music, cinema, dance, plastic arts, photography and activities for young audiences… Arabic language and civilization courses are also offered.

Gourmet break

Located on the roof of the Institut du Monde Arabe**, Dar Mima has just opened its doors. This exceptional restaurant, an oriental dream between heaven and earth, was imagined by Laurent de Gourcuff and Jamel Debbouze. Discover a gourmet and generous menu inspired by Fatima, the artist's mother, to whom this new address pays tribute.

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