Arab World Institute, Paris: Photos, Reviews & Location

Striking, 10-story building with latticed windows, housing Islamic cultural exhibitions, plus cafe.

At a glance

#151 of 162 Tourist attractions in Paris #40 of 41 Museums in Paris

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.20

1.7 km from the center of Paris

Rating breakdown

5 ★58%
4 ★25%
3 ★8%
2 ★3%
1 ★6%

1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris, France

imarabe.org

+33 1 40 51 38 38

Photos of Arab World Institute (50)

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Quick facts

What is the rating of Arab World Institute?: Arab World Institute is rated 4.2 out of 5 based on 2,156 reviews.
How does Arab World Institute rank in Paris?: Arab World Institute is #151 of 162 Tourist attractions in Paris by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Arab World Institute located?: 1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris, France — 1.7 km from the center of Paris.
How can I contact Arab World Institute?: Phone: +33 1 40 51 38 38 · Website: imarabe.org

Reviews (8)

Marcel van Leeuwen 2024 May 12

We enjoyed the visit, and you can go to the rooftop to have look over the Paris. Also the most beautiful toilets in a public space :)

Nathan Bilancio 2024 Apr 12

We came to see an exhibit about fragrances and the history of them. It was such a unique and immersive experience! The building is also beautiful so be sure to give yourself time to roam.

Drago Indjic 2024 Feb 09

Unique institution: a library open to all visitors, exhibition space, gift shop, restaurant.

Selma Turki 2023 Dec 29

L’institut du Monde Arab has clearly had better days :-( maintenance is clearly an issue, the upper deck has not been cleaned for ages, cigarettes buts everywhere, well do not take the stairs… they are rather dirty…. So long…. Very disappointing, the store even more so… the elevator lettering has had better days… while the entry tickets are not that cheap but that is not the issue….

Frances Charteris 2023 Nov 13

The name of the building is L'Institut du Monde Arabe. It is an extraordinary edifice by architect Jean Nouvel. The exhibitions inside and outside are thrilling and exceptional. The store is filled with a wide range of books of poetry, protest images in Iran, Persepolis, novels, and catalogues. You will also find an array of glass ware and ceramics for kitchen and dining , as well as jewellery. One exhibition concerns Palestine with a video of Mamoud Darwich reading his poetry, works of Jean Genet and artworks on loan from the Museum of Palestine located in east Jerusalem. Another exhibit concerns Perfume with actual scents to inhale, as well as a sensual womanist video with haunting V O of intimate scenes in a hamam.

Raoul Jean-Ray P. 2023 Aug 03

The building alone is worth the visit. The temporary exhibitions (Palestine, Jean Genet) were brilliant, with lots of information to read.

It seems both exhibitions were mixed with the permanent ones. With signage not always clear (should we take the stairs or lift...), it was sometimes confusing. Not a problem since everything was great, but a bit annoying at times.

The bookstore has lots of choices to deepen the subjects...

Karry B 2023 Jun 05

A beautiful exhibition “On the roads of Samarkand, marvels of silk and gold.”
A unique exhibits of hundreds of pieces of splendour crafting, around the 20th century.
for the first time shown outside museums in Uzbekistan.
Glad I didn’t miss it.

Viktoria Korzhova 2023 Mar 08

Really liked the temporary exhibitions, especially the one about Samarkand textiles and jewelry. The permanent exhibition seems to have interesting exhibits, but lack storyline or proper explanations, so it's not as educational and enjoyable as it could have been.