A building of glass and aluminium in Paris' 5th arrondissement, near the Jussieu and Cardinal Lemoine Metro stations, the Arab World Institute (Institut du Monde Arabe) has an architectural style that harmoniously combines Arabic and Western cultures for visitors to admire. In its beautiful museum of civilisations, which unveiled new exhibition areas in 2012, you can admire some magnificent collections that are particularly well showcased, all on the theme of the Arab World. On no fewer than four floors, you can admire more than 560 works of art, such as wood panelling, ceramics, illuminations, textiles and scientific objects.
Temporary exhibitions are also regularly hosted, and you can visit a library as well as a book and gift shop selling many publications in Arabic.
Built in the 1980s by an architects' collective, the IMA also has a lovely panoramic roof terrace with untrammelled views of Paris, the Seine and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. The site also offers Arabic lessons for children and adults, educational activities, debates and other events.