In Paris, it's easy to look up from every street corner and admire sumptuous facades, whether unusual or representative of an artistic movement. But some of them also have technical features you wouldn't expect at first glance, such as the façade of theInstitut du Monde Arabe, located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. Clad entirely in glass and steel, the monument adapts and evolves throughout the day, depending on the position of the sun in the sky!
This astonishing ability can be seen on the south facade, which is based on Arab geometry and traditional architecture. In hot climates, these moucharabiehs, of which there are 240 in the museum, are openwork partitions providing natural ventilation. Here, they are equipped with diaphragms that open and close hourly, depending on the amount of light outside, with almost 18 movements per day!
A lively facade, built on the banks of the Seine, which houses a section of Arab culture and civilization, accessible to the public since 1987. Inaugurated by President François Mitterrand, the Institut du Monde Arabe was designed to strengthen diplomatic relations between France and Arab countries.
IMA Comedy Club at the Institut du Monde Arabe: dates and program for the 2025 edition
The IMA Comedy Club is back for its 6th edition, from January 29 to February 2, 2025. French- and Arabic-speaking comedians take turns at this festival, and a queer and humor evening showcases different talents. Discover the full program. [Read more]
Baghdad with Assassin's Creed Mirage: the successful exhibition extended at the Institut du Monde Arabe
When video games allow us to explore the past... The Institut du Monde Arabe and Ubisoft join forces for an exceptional exhibition: February 28 to January 12, 2025, discover Baghdad: rediscover Madinat al-Salam, with Assassin's Creed Mirage. [Read more]
Arabofuturs: the exhibition of science fiction and predictions is extended at the IMA
Artists from the Arab world imagine the worlds of tomorrow, in an exhibition between science fiction and dreams. Discover Arabofuturs at the Institut du Monde Arabe from April 23 to January 12, 2025. [Read more]
Mehdi Qotbi retrospective: the poetic exhibition at the Institut du Monde Arabe
The Institut du Monde Arabe is organizing a major retrospective in tribute to artist Mehdi Qotbi. Discover the painter's colorful works in an exhibition running from October 15, 2024 to January 5, 2025. [Read more]
Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA): program, exhibitions, events, everything you need to know about this cultural center
The Institut du Monde Arabe is an astonishing place where Arab culture reveals itself to us through astonishing exhibitions and an eclectic program of events for all ages and all audiences! [Read more]
Dar Mima, Jamel Debbouze's restaurant, in tribute to his mother, on the roof of the Arab World Institute
Enjoy the cuisine of Jamel Debbouze's mother, Fatima. That's what awaits you at Dar Mima, the restaurant designed by the artist and Paris Society on the roof of the Institut du Monde Arabe. [Read more]
Location
Arab World Institute
1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard
75005 Paris 5
Access
Metro Jussieu line 7, line 10
