Institut du monde arabe

About the museum

The Institut du monde arabe arose from an agreement signed in 1980 between France and several member states of the Arab League. Its mission is to make the civilisations of the Arab world better known and to foster cultural dialogue between France and the Arab world. The foundation is recognised as being of public utility and receives substantial financial support from the French state.

The building on the banks of the Seine was designed by Jean Nouvel together with Gilbert Lézénès, Pierre Soria and the firm Architecture-Studio. The foundation stone was laid in 1982, and the Institute was inaugurated in November 1987. Its south façade, covered with elements inspired by mashrabiya (lattice screens), has become one of the best-known motifs of contemporary architecture in Paris.

The museum presents collections of archaeology, art, crafts, ethnography and contemporary creation from the Arab world. In 2018 the donation by Claude and France Lemand considerably enriched the contemporary art holdings with several hundred works by Arab artists. The Institute also offers temporary exhibitions, an auditorium, a library, a bookshop, restaurants and a terrace with a view over the city.

Highlights

• Jean Nouvel’s south façade inspired by mashrabiya screens
• Museum of Arab civilisations, from antiquity to contemporary art
• Lemand donation of contemporary Arab art
• Panoramic terrace and restaurants on the top floor
• Library, auditorium and cultural programme

Permanent exhibition

• Musée de l'Institut du monde arabe – A route through the art, archaeology and crafts of the Arab world, complemented by a section on contemporary creation.

Founded

1987

Operated by

Fondation Institut du monde arabe

Visitors per year

approx. 239,782 (2019)

Admission & discounts

Rate for the museum and permanent exhibitions; temporary exhibitions have their own rate, shown on each exhibition’s page. Even visitors entitled to free admission must collect a control token at reception. Also exempt, with proof: members of the Maison des artistes, holders of the Amis de l’IMA privilege card, ICOM/ICOMOS card holders, journalists and tour guides. Online booking incurs a €1 fee per exhibition ticket.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Two wheelchairs can be borrowed at reception against ID; seat-canes are offered in the museum galleries. Two reserved parking spaces on the esplanade. French Sign Language tours and descriptive tours are offered to groups on request.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Creative family workshops with a guided tour, discovery concerts, storytelling sessions in the children’s library (from age 5, by reservation) and a children’s library of more than 5,000 books.

Getting there & parking

No nearby metro station is wheelchair accessible; most of the neighbouring bus stops are.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Wi-Fi

Literary café on the first floor; Dar Mima-Ziryab restaurant and the self-service restaurant Le Moucharabieh on the tenth floor. Free cloakroom on the first floor. Wi-Fi is free and unlimited in the library.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Auditorium with 420 seats, Hypostyle hall of 900 m², Haut Conseil room of 260 m² and a panoramic terrace. Private guided visits of exhibitions are possible.

Plan your visit