Off the Beaten Paris Track: The Museum of the Institute of the Arab World

Due to France's geographical position and history of conquests, there have always been links between France and the Arab World. As a visitor in Paris, it is interesting to have a look at how France's colonial past has influenced and has been influenced by Arab/Muslim culture. Due to the limited scope of exibitions in comparison with some of the other museums in Paris, the Museum of the Institute of the Arab World is not one of the most famous in the city, but it provides a view of the complicated intermingling of cultures that make Paris unique.

In 1980, 18 Arab countries agreed to establish the Museum of the Institute of the Arab World in Paris to spread knowledge about cultural values and exchanges. The partnership is between France and twenty-two Arab countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Syria, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Oman, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Comoros, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Tunisia.

Located between the Jussieu Campus and the Seine River, the AWI building is located on Rue des Fosses Saint Bernard. Built by Jean Nouvel and Architecture Studio, the building itself is a symbol for a bridge between the cultural exchanges of the past and future. Although it uses modern materials of steel and glass, it still captures the feeling of Muslim architecture. Particularly interesting is the façade of the building made from 240 moving apertures that control the amount of light entering the building at any point. Each square is like a camera lens, and therefore it focuses by opening or shutting in relation to the amount of light hitting it at any point. Each square moves individually, and they all reset each hour. In traditional Islamic Architecture, these panels, called moucharabiens, would be constructed from wood.

Due to the architectural intricacies, it is well known in Paris by locals. Beyond simply a museum, the building has a library, auditorium, two cafes, a cinema and a language institute. There is also a bookstore on the ground floor that provides a range of interesting material about Arab culture and cross-cultural influences. The cafes are on the higher end, but the food is of the highest caliber. For those looking for a hot drink while taking in the extraordinary views, mint tea and baklava are recommended.

Collections inside of the museum in Paris include Archeology, Decorative Arts, Sciences and Technologies. The museum space, spread over three floors, hosts antique calligraphies from the Koran, as well as a collection of modern Arab art.

Another selling point for visiting the Museum of the Institute of the Arab World in Paris is the breathtaking view that can be seen from the roof. Although the Eiffel Tower is nowhere in sight, the Notre Dame Cathedral can be seen clearly, as well as both banks of the Seine River, as well as incredible sweeping views of the romantic city.

The Museum is located near the Metro stations Jussieu, Cardinal-Lemoine and Sully-Morland on the East line.


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