Did you know? The façade of the Arab World Institute moves with the sun!

In Paris, it's easy to look up from every street corner and admire sumptuous facades, whether unusual or representative of an artistic movement. But some of them also have technical features you wouldn't expect at first glance, such as the façade of theInstitut du Monde Arabe, located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. Clad entirely in glass and steel, the monument adapts and evolves throughout the day, depending on the position of the sun in the sky!

• To be read
• This week in Paris, from July 14 to 20, 2025: free or cheap outings
• Free museums and monuments on Sundays: places to see this August 3 in Paris and the Île-de-France region
• Free museums and monuments in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: cultural tips

This astonishing ability can be seen on the south facade, which is based on Arab geometry and traditional architecture. In hot climates, these moucharabiehs, of which there are 240 in the museum, are openwork partitions providing natural ventilation. Here, they are equipped with diaphragms that open and close hourly, depending on the amount of light outside, with almost 18 movements per day!

A lively facade, built on the banks of the Seine, which houses a section of Arab culture and civilization, accessible to the public since 1987. Inaugurated by President François Mitterrand, the Institut du Monde Arabe was designed to strengthen diplomatic relations between France and Arab countries.

The mystery of Cleopatra: the exhibition on the famous Egyptian queen at the IMA
She's a mythical figure of ancient history: discover the secrets of Cleopatra, the inimitable Queen of Egypt, with the exhibition "The Cleopatra Mystery", presented at the Institut du Monde Arabe from June 11, 2025 to January 11, 2026. [Read more]

Treasures saved from Gaza: the history of Gaza exposed through archaeological remains at the IMA
From April 3 to November 2, 2025, the Institut du Monde Arabe is presenting an exceptional collection of masterpieces and archaeological artefacts rescued from disaster in Gaza over the centuries. Discover the archaeological past of the Palestinian enclave! [Read more]

Writing or calligraphy? The Arabic alphabet sublimated: the exhibition at the Institut du Monde Arabe
The IMA highlights the art of writing in the Arab world, with the exhibition "Ecrire ou calligraphier? The Arabic alphabet sublimated", on view from February 5 to September 21, 2025. [Read more]

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! [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]