The Arab World Institute by architect Pierre Soria was built in Rue des Fossés Saint Bernard s/n, Paris, France in 1981-1987. Absolutely stunning building. The exterior facade is made up of a series of square panels that are optical louvers. Each panel has one large optical louver surrounded by 16 medium louvers & 56 small louvers (give or take). These louvers are light sensitive and operate similar to the iris of an eye or a camera lens. Depending on the exterior light level they can close up if it's sunny outside or open if it's cloudy & overcast. The ensuing light patterns inside this building is stunning as every panel operates in synchronization to the exterior light. Very cool play of light on the inside of the building and definitely worth checking out when your in Paris read more

See all

This museum made a big impact on me when I visited as a college student. I was eager to return. Unfortunately, the building was being repaired, but it was still incredible to look at, and the elevators were just as fun to ride as I remembered. The exhibits contained so many types of items (artifacts, modern art, ceramics, scientific tools, clothing, jewelry, religious objects) from thousands of years ago to the present day. There was a special exhibit on writing and calligraphy, one of my favorite media. I only wished I could read all the Arabic! The gift shop is mostly a bookstore, which was a refreshing change from the usual tchotchkes. read more

This was a fun museum to visit with some great artifacts to look at. The art, ceramics, jewelry and weapons were pretty amazing to see and it's great that a museum like this can showcase such great pieces, especially since it's hard to find such a collection of items in other museums. The building itself is very modern and cool. Even though there are multiple levels to the building, the main museum is really only on one floor/level. While this isn't a huge museum (you can complete the entire main portion in about 30-40 minutes), it's definitely a great one to visit. One can go to the top deck of the building and enjoy a great view of the River Seine as well as a great panoramic view of the beautiful city of Paris. read more

Soc Des Amis Institut Du Monde Arabe - View from museum rooftop - Museums Near Me - Paris, 75

This review is for the building alone. We didnt walk around and see anything besides the outside and then the rooftop terrace. We were told it had a great view, which it does, although we were here on a cloudy day. I'm sure on a sunny day it's more impressive although you're not THAT high up. Nice panoramic view though. There's also a restaurant up there w. the same view it seems. The building itself is very nice. Each window has a mechanical design that opens or closes which then changes the look. Very cool. Outside in front is a big structure which upon looking down from above you then see it's in the shape of a snake. I loved the very cute sculpture of a family of elephants in front, great photo op there. Elevators are numerous but move very slowly...So getting to the top floor and back down can be a chore. read more

See all

I was so shocked as to how few people were inside. There was no line outside. We thought it was closed. There was less than 40 people inside. We came end of August 2018. It only cost us about 8€ each. There was no special exhibits. Only levels 4 to 7 were open. And not even the whole level was used. It seemed very small. The view from level 9 is worth visiting. That is where the restaurant, Le Zyriab by Noura, is located. The elevators worked quickly. It is all glass. read more

See all

Architect's Jean Nouvel's building, this is one great tip: ascend its terrace to get a free and sweeping, gorgeous view of the Ville Lumière. Beyond awesome. Rive Gauche! Think it was renovated in mid 80's read more

See all

Jean Nouvel's masterpiece and my favorite modern building in Paris. The diaphragm shading system was and still is (after 20 years) revolutionary and an extraordinary example of marrying traditional elements (musharrabi) with high-tech. the top floor cafe (if not closed by some party function) is a very good place to have a dink (hmm, do they have alcohol?) or a snack and has a great view from the outdoor terrace. read more

See all

The building is pretty awesome. My french friend brought me and my other Egyptian friend here because she knew we would appreciate its beauty. The building has a really cool design, a huge bookstore offering Arabic books etc, and two cafes offering middle eastern food. Plus you can go up to the top view and enjoy a free view over Paris. If you're looking to save a bit of money, then you better enjoy your tea at the cafe downstairs because it's a bit less expensive ;) Enjoy! read more

Fantastic building worth the visit alone. Rooftop terrace and cafe offers spectacular view of the Seine, and the museum galleries were beautiful, if sparse. Well worth the visit though! read more

See all

A great building that is worth visiting for itself. An architectural masterpiece by Jean Nouvel. Inside, you will find exhibitions, events, books, places to eat and a panorama viewing balcony. Edit: I didn't find the café to review it separately, but I'd give it a 3/5 for great food but poor service. read more

Interesting art and exhibitions inside the Institut du Monde Arabe and great views of the Seine and Notre Dame from its roof Institut du Monde Arabe is well worth a visit. Going to Paris soon-ish? The highly recommeded Shafic Abboud retrospective runs until mid June. One of Lebanon's most celebrated artists of the 20th century, Abboud's use of colour astounds. I wasn't familiar with this abstract expressionist before checking out the show but I am now on my way to becoming a serious fan. http://www.abboud-retrospectives.org/home.html read more

We came here on the recommendation of others. It is a very well laid-out museum, and a nice refreshing change from all other typical museums. There is also a nice viewing terrace and a few restaurants. The museum does a nice job explaining the present and historical the Arab world and the influences it has ha. Tastefully done and a nice mix of things (history, music, art, clothing, etc.). read more

Great exhibition of Arab, Jewish and Christian art from Sumerian and Sabbatean origins down to the present day. The synthesis of 'The People of the Book' is very rewarding in a period of growing religious intolerance. Most obviously this tolerance is revealed in the art of Andalusia from the 13-14th Centuries when Jewish, Christian and Islamic art existed side-by-side, and influenced each other in a wonderful flourishing of artistic creation. An uplifting place to be, with friendly staff, and one of the finest views of Paris from the 9th floor terrace and restaurant. read more

This is a great (and free!) place to study for students in Paris. There is a nice quiet library in the basement of the building. There are also interesting and free speaking events on the top floor from time to time. The view over Paris is breathtaking and the restaurant up there looks delicious and pretty affordable! Definitely worth checking out! Oh the building itself is beautiful too! read more

The museum has had its collection and exhibit space completely reorganized! Although items are mixed between eras and cultures the museum has created visual and audio aids to guide the visitor through the experience not just sight on the museum and its collection. The two temporary exhibits were fascinating! Although one has already closed, the Jameel Prize one really showed some thought provoking and beautiful contemporary art. The DÉGAGEMENTS... LA TUNISIE UN AN APRÈS was also very creative and wide ranging in artists and backgrounds. If the main collection were a bit more organized I would give it 5 stars but as it is if you're going to visit Paris and like museums this one is worth your time! read more

has a lot of artifacts but no context i didn't really feel i learned about arab culture