The Institut du Monde Arabe may not be on the list of places to see for a first time visitor to Paris but a visit to this architectural masterpiece has it perks.
Southern façade of the Institut du Monde Arabe
Occupying a prime location on the left bank of the Seine, the Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) is an imposing structure that holds temporary and permanent exhibitions from the Arab world.
Exhibition at the Institut du Monde Arabe
Established in 1980 as one of François Mitterand’s Grands Projets, the building itself is in a work of art, with a construction of glass and steel in an Arabic latticework design by architect Jean Nouvel.
The southern façade is made up of mashrabiya or moucharabiehs (fr), mechanical irises or diaphragms designed to control the amount of light into the building.
Inside the southern facade
The mechanical irises seen from the outside (left) and from the inside of the building (right)
Access to the building is free after passing through an airport-style security check but with an inviting welcome. Inside, there are various exhibitions, an impressive library and a bookshop with literary works from the Arab world.
The library
The stairs
Steel and pipes
The industrial style ceiling
Exterior of the Institut du Monde Arabe facing the Seine
But there is more to the visit than marvelling at architecture and culture. Take the lift to the 9th floor and from the terrace, you are treated to free panoramic views of Paris.
The IMA is located in close vicinity to Café Rallye Tournelle and La Tour d’Argent (review pending).
Institut du Monde Arabe
1 Rue des Fosses St-Bernard
Place Mohammed V
Paris 75005
http://www.imarabe.org/
Métro: Jussieu or Sully-Morland
[…] Café Rallye Tournelle is located opposite Pont de la Tournelle, in very close proximity to the renowned restaurant, La Tour d’Argent and the Institut du Monde Arabe. […]
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nice. i’ve been there to see the outside several times and catch a temporary exhibit – but the exhibit was in a building on the grounds and not in the institute. These pictures of the inside are great – love the light coming in through the iris windows. Will make a point to actually get inside one of these days!
That’s understandable. It took me 5 visits to Paris before I finally made it there!
[…] you visit the Institut du Monde Arabe, don’t miss out on a free view of Paris. Take the glass lift to the 9th floor and […]
I live in Paris and I didn’t went there yet. I hope to go visit l’Institut du Monde Arabe as soon as posible.
It’s definitely worth a visit. I wish I had more time I explore the library and some of the exhibits.
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