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Arab World Institute was established in 1980, when ninteen Arab countries concluded an agreement with France to establish a presentation of arab-islamic civilization as a whole (8th - 19th centuries), in a building symbolic of arab civilization.. The Institute also aims at promoting cooperation and cultural exchanges between France and the Arab world in the areas of science and technology.
It incorporates some well lit exhibition areas, a museum, library, a 300-seat hall and a restaurant, as well as offices and car parking. Internally a superb feature is the glass and steel stairs and lift enclosure, which can be seen from most parts of the building.
The south facing garden courtyard wall has been described as a 'Venetian blind', although its appearance is more patently Islamic in decorative terms. It is, however, an ocular device of striking originality, made up of numerous and variously dimensioned metallic diaphragms set in pierced metal borders. These diaphragms operate like a camera lens to control the sun's penetration into the interior of the building. Thus the whole effect is like a giant Islamic pierced screen, giving significance and an audacious brilliance to this remarkable building
How to get there
1, rue des Fossés-Saint-Bernard Place Mohammed-V
75005 Paris.
Metro line 4: Maubert Mutualité.
www.imarabe.org
Hotel near the Arab World Institute
Paris Hotel Budget St Germain
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