Arab World Institute

The Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) or Arab World Institute (AWI), in English, was established during 1980 in Paris, when 18 Arab countries concluded an agreement with France to establish the Institute to disseminate information about the Arab world and set in motion detailed research to cover Arabic and the Arab world’s cultural and spiritual values. The Institute also aims at promoting cooperation and cultural exchanges between France and the Arab world, particularly in the areas of science and technology, thus contributing to development of relations between the Arab world and Europe. Libya joined the agreement in 1984.

Architectural Features of the AWI Building

AWI is located in the building also known as Institut du Monde Arabe, on Rue des Fossés Saint Bernard in Paris, France, constructed from 1981 to 1987 with a floor space of Шаблон:Convert. Jean Nouvel won the 1981 competition with a project that proposed risk-taking solutions that, over the course of the years, have proven themselves.

The building acts as a buffer zone between the Jussieu Campus, in large rationalist blocks, and the River Seine. The river facade follows the curve of the waterway and helps reduce the hardness of a rectangular block, adapting itself to the view from the Sully Bridge. At the same time the building also appears to fold itself back in the direction of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district.

ceramic, 13th century.]] In contrast, the opposite facade is uncompromisingly rectangular. Facing it is a large square public space that opens out toward the Île de la Cité and Notre Dame. Above the glass-clad storefront, a metallic screen unfolds with moving geometric motifs. The motifs are actually 240 motor-controlled apertures, which open and close every hour. They act as brise soleil to control the light entering the building. The mechanism creates interior spaces with filtered light — an effect often used in Islamic architecture with its climate-oriented strategies. This building catapulted Nouvel to fame and is one of the cultural reference points of Paris. It is also noted for receiving the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

The building houses a museum, library, auditorium, restaurant, and offices.

Presidents of the AWI

  • Edgard Pisani (1988-1995)
  • Camille Cabana (1995-2002)
  • Denis Bauchard (2002-2004)
  • Rachid Ben Khélil (1987-2008)
  • Yves Guéna (2004-2007)
  • Dominique Baudis (2007- )

See also

  • List of museums in Paris

External links

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Almog Tlumak
21 January 2015
They take their temporary exhibitions very seriously and every few months you can find an interesting temporary restaurant connected to the exhibition. Beautiful architecture.
Io As Soon
30 August 2014
"Il etait une fois l Orient Express" is a real journey through the space and time of this incredible train! The Expo is at "IMA" where is a incredible rooftop cafe with a beautiful see of Paris. Go!
Ludwig Jamet
30 November 2014
Très beau bâtiment, tout le personnel est sympa. Les expos sont toujours de bonnes factures. Et Avec un peu de chances vous pourrez même croiser Jack Lang :)
Anna Yeskina
3 March 2016
Само по себе очень красивое здание с необычной отделкой:) хорошая смотровая площадка (бесплатная!) там же расположено кафе, в котором можно покушать и насладиться видом на исторический центр Парижа
Vanessa Berner
13 June 2018
Une architecture moderne avec un style arabe traditionnel. L'exposition permanente est magnifique. Assurez-vous de visiter le salon de thé et acheter des livres à la boutique au rez-de-chaussée.
Maud Sanchez Cuevas
1 February 2017
Toujours de super expos à l'ima, la terrasse avec vue panoramique au 9eme étage vaut le détour! La boutique est top et on y trouve des livres intéressants
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Map
7 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France Get directions
Tue-Thu 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Fri 10:00 AM–9:30 PM
Sat 10:00 AM–7:00 PM

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