The Arab World Institute

An exceptional cultural monument

Build more than 30 years ago, in 1987, the Institute of the Arab World celebrated his 30th birthday in 2017. On Les Quais de Seine, close to the Great Mosque of Paris, its beautiful wooden lattice style frontage naturally fits into the Parisian neighborhood. Designed by a dream team of architects, led by Jean Novel - who also conceived the Louvre Abu Dhabi - this modern architectural jewel between Western culture and the Arab world may be admired during guided tours, during the week-end at 4:30 PM.

Exploring the Arab World

Debates, conferences, dance shows, meetings, major exhibitions... Every day, visitors immerse themselves in a singular and bubbling world through art and culture, but also religion, History, society, language, writing and science. Currently, it is the opportunity to discover The Epic of the Suez Canal, 4 000 years of history from Egypt pharaohs to current construction, until August 5, 2018.

The Institute is also promoting contemporary creation: the 2nd edition of the Biennial of Photographers of the Arab World occurred in November 2017 and the exhibition of the philosopher-novelist Tahar Ben Jelloun paintings took place from October 10 to January 7, 2018.

Museum and Exhibitions

In 2012, after three years of renovations, the Institute unveiled its new spaces which arouse interest of new visitors. Discovering the 560 unpublished works of bronze, ceramics, woodwork, textiles, scientific objects and illuminations will be, without the shadow of a doubt, the brightest moment of your day. Medieval astrolabes, calligraphy workshop, Egyptian fountain, musical instruments and various historical fragments may also to be admired.

The heritage of Arabia culture since antiquity is unveiled through avant-garde exhibitions. Osiris, the sunken mystery of Egypt has unveiled 250 objects form 10 years of underwater excavations by Franck Goddio. The event Hip Hop, from Bronx to Arab streets or the exhibition Contemporary Morocco have more depicted the contemporary Arab scene. The emphasis is putting on major occurrences of society, such as the great exhibition Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca exhibition, or the links between East and West like Once upon a time there was the Orient Express.
A guided tour of the museum is planned every Saturdays and Sundays at 3 PM, and a group tour upon request is organized from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Seminars, language courses, workshops and events

For 25 years, the IAW has organized debates with several personalities who are specialists of the Arab world, every Thursday at 6.30 PM. The IMA attracts people as no other institution with its events, seminars, movies or meetings open to debate, with a range of events related to the Arab world.

Once a month, an original show dedicated to a musical style, an artistic personality or a heritage of a country welcomes visitors. Moreover, the cinema of the IAW offers a wide range of programs related to the exhibitions or the news of the Arab world. We strongly recommend you to discover the various workshops: creation of motifs, writing workshop, Arabic music.

Besides, you may want to take Arabic lessons at the Institute: group class, tailor-made lessons for adults and young people and the DCL test - which will testify your level language in a professional environment.

Discover the library and access to more than 100,000 available resources. Literature fans, you could get the chance to meet every week Arabic-speaking and French-speaking writer: speaking about the Arab world at the weekly meeting "One Hour with ..." takes place every Saturday from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm in the IAW library.

Discover the Arab World Institute now!