Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA): program, exhibitions, events, everything you need to know about this cultural center

The Institut du Monde Arabe is an astonishing place where Arab culture reveals itself to us through astonishing exhibitions and an eclectic program of events for all ages and all audiences!

In the heart of Paris'Latin Quarter, theInstitut du Monde Arabe (IMA) stands as a cultural ambassador between the West and the Arab world. It is dedicated to the promotion and understanding of Arab culture. The Institut du Monde Arabe was inaugurated in 1987, on the initiative of 18 Arab countries and France. Its aim was to strengthen cultural and artistic ties between France and the Arab world, and to promote mutual understanding between the two cultures.

The building housing theIMA is a remarkable work of architecture by Jean Nouvel. Its metal façade, composed of thousands of movable diaphragms inspired by moucharabiehs, opens and closes according to the sunlight, creating a fascinating interplay of light and shadow. TheInstitut du Monde Arabe houses an impressive collection of works of art and objects linked to Arab culture from Islamic, ethnographic and contemporary angles. Temporary exhibitions are rich and varied, covering fields such as art (including contemporary), history, music, literature and much more.

It's also a cultural meeting place where an eclectic program awaits you. From concerts of traditional Arab music to lectures on contemporary literature, film screenings and festivals featuring emerging artists, there's something for everyone. The IMA gardens, with their panoramic view over the Seine and Notre-Dame, are an ideal place to relax after a visit. Temporary exhibitions are regularly renewed, offering a different experience with each visit.

Practical information

To help you plan your visit to the Institut du Monde Arabe, here's some practical information:

Opening hours: The museum is open every day except Monday, from 10am to 6pm. Times may vary during temporary exhibitions, so please check the website for updates.
Admission: Adult admission is 8 euros, with discounts available for students, teachers, groups and Paris Museum Pass holders. Admission is free for under-18s and EU citizens under 26.
Access: The Institut du Monde Arabe is easily accessible by public transport. You can take metro line 7 (Jussieu or Cardinal Lemoine station) or RER C (Gare d'Austerlitz station).

The Institut du Monde Arabe is a place where the cultural and artistic diversity of the Arab world comes to life. Come and explore the treasures of this rich and fascinating culture in the heart of Paris.

News from the Institut du Monde Arabe :

The grand journey of medical discovery: an exhibition at the Arab World Institute
In Paris, the Arab World Institute is delving into the journey of medical knowledge across civilizations, from antiquity to the modern era. Through books, artifacts, and manuscripts, the exhibition "The Great Adventure of Medical Knowledge" will be on display from October 13, 2026, to January 10, 2027. [Read more]

Captives: Mediterranean Slavery Uncovered at the Arab World Institute
The Arab World Institute in Paris is hosting an exhibition dedicated to the history of slavery between Christians and Muslims across the Mediterranean from the 17th century to 1830. Titled "Captives: Arts and Slavery in the Modern Mediterranean", the exhibit runs from March 31, 2026, to July 19, 2026. Through artworks, rare artifacts, and unpublished documents, it offers a historical perspective on those enslaved and forced into labor in the ports of Europe and North Africa. [Read more]

The Hidden Treasures of the Nasrid Alhambra: An Exhibition in the Heart of Granada at the Arab World Institute
From November 24, 2026, to May 16, 2027, the Arab World Institute will take you on a journey to the Alhambra of the Nasrid sultans. Through an immersive experience and the display of extraordinary works of art, the exhibition revives the lost grandeur of Muhammad V's reign. [Read more]

Weddings - Farah: a Unique Cultural Exhibition at the Arab World Institute
The Arab World Institute is inviting us to a celebration— and not just any celebration. Immerse yourself in the world of Maghrebian weddings with an expansive, immersive exhibition opening from September 29, 2026, through January 31, 2027. [Read more]

Byblos, eternal city: explore the historic city with the exhibition at the Arab World Institute.
The Arab World Institute takes us on a journey to discover the world's first international seaport, dating back nearly 9,000 years. The exhibition Byblos, Eternal City is open from March 24 to August 23, 2026. [Read more]

Dar Mima, Jamel Debbouze's restaurant, in tribute to his mother, on the roof of the Arab World Institute
Enjoy the cuisine of Jamel Debbouze's mother, Fatima. That's what awaits you at Dar Mima, the restaurant designed by the artist and Paris Society on the roof of the Institut du Monde Arabe. [Read more]