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

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Published on November 19th, 2023 at 03:20 p.m.
The facades of Parisian monuments are mysterious... In the 5th arrondissement of Paris, one of them moves according to the position of the sun, following the principle of Arab geometry!

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!

Visuel Paris Institut du Monde ArabeVisuel Paris Institut du Monde ArabeVisuel Paris Institut du Monde ArabeVisuel Paris Institut du Monde Arabe

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.

Visuels musée et monument - Institut du monde arabe IMAVisuels musée et monument - Institut du monde arabe IMAVisuels musée et monument - Institut du monde arabe IMAVisuels musée et monument - Institut du monde arabe IMA Arabofolies 2024: the music festival returns to the IMA for a crazy edition
It's party time at the Institut du Monde Arabe: the Arabofolies festival, which showcases contemporary music by Arab artists, is back from June 13 to 20, 2024 for another edition as wild as ever. [Read more]

Arabofuturs : l'exposition entre science-fiction et prédictions à l'Institut du Monde Arabe - photos - IMG20240422100551Arabofuturs : l'exposition entre science-fiction et prédictions à l'Institut du Monde Arabe - photos - IMG20240422100551Arabofuturs : l'exposition entre science-fiction et prédictions à l'Institut du Monde Arabe - photos - IMG20240422100551Arabofuturs : l'exposition entre science-fiction et prédictions à l'Institut du Monde Arabe - photos - IMG20240422100551 Arabofuturs: an exhibition of science fiction and predictions at the Institut du Monde Arabe - photos
Artists from the Arab world imagine the worlds of tomorrow, in an exhibition between science fiction and dreams. Discover Arabofuturs at the Institut du Monde Arabe from April 23 to October 27, 2024. [Read more]

Visuels Paris - Statue de la libertéVisuels Paris - Statue de la libertéVisuels Paris - Statue de la libertéVisuels Paris - Statue de la liberté Paris 2024 Olympics: the Olympic Flame's journey through Paris' landmarks
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games promise us a beautiful journey as the Olympic Flame makes its way through the French capital. Unveiled on July 3, 2023 by Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, this route promises a unique experience for Parisians and tourists alike. We take a closer look at this emblematic route. [Read more]

Visuels musée et monument - Institut du monde arabe IMAVisuels musée et monument - Institut du monde arabe IMAVisuels musée et monument - Institut du monde arabe IMAVisuels musée et monument - Institut du monde arabe IMA Nuit des Musées 2024: a free artistic evening at the Arab World Institute in Paris
This Saturday, May 18, 2024, the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris is taking part in the 20th Nuit des Musées, opening exceptionally at night. Discover the program for this new edition! [Read more]

Exposition Bagdad avec Assassin’s Creed Mirage à l'Institut du Monde Arabe - IMG 4700Exposition Bagdad avec Assassin’s Creed Mirage à l'Institut du Monde Arabe - IMG 4700Exposition Bagdad avec Assassin’s Creed Mirage à l'Institut du Monde Arabe - IMG 4700Exposition Bagdad avec Assassin’s Creed Mirage à l'Institut du Monde Arabe - IMG 4700 Baghdad exhibition with Assassin's Creed Mirage at the Institut du Monde Arabe - our photos
When video games allow us to explore the past... The Institut du Monde Arabe and Ubisoft join forces for an exceptional exhibition: February 28 to November 10, 2024, discover Baghdad: rediscover Madinat al-Salam, with Assassin's Creed Mirage. [Read more]

Etienne Dinet, passions algériennes : l'exposition qui nous fait voyager à l'IMA - photos - IMG20240129101952Etienne Dinet, passions algériennes : l'exposition qui nous fait voyager à l'IMA - photos - IMG20240129101952Etienne Dinet, passions algériennes : l'exposition qui nous fait voyager à l'IMA - photos - IMG20240129101952Etienne Dinet, passions algériennes : l'exposition qui nous fait voyager à l'IMA - photos - IMG20240129101952 Etienne Dinet, Algerian passions: the exhibition that takes us on a journey at the IMA - photos
Discover Etienne Dinet and his Algerian passions, in an exhibition organized from January 30 to June 9, 2024 at the Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris. [Read more]

Visuel Paris Institut du Monde ArabeVisuel Paris Institut du Monde ArabeVisuel Paris Institut du Monde ArabeVisuel Paris Institut du Monde Arabe 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, le resto de Jamel Debbouze, en hommage à sa mère, sur le toit de l'Institut du Monde ArabeDar Mima, le resto de Jamel Debbouze, en hommage à sa mère, sur le toit de l'Institut du Monde ArabeDar Mima, le resto de Jamel Debbouze, en hommage à sa mère, sur le toit de l'Institut du Monde ArabeDar Mima, le resto de Jamel Debbouze, en hommage à sa mère, sur le toit de l'Institut du Monde Arabe Dar Mima, Jamel Debbouze's restaurant, in tribute to his mother, on the roof of the Arab World Institute
An address high up in the sky, to taste the cuisine of Fatima, Jamel Debbouze's mother. This is what awaits you at Dar Mima, the restaurant signed by the artist and Paris Society on the roof of the Arab World Institute. [Read more]

Practical information

Location

1, rue des Fossés-Saint-Bernard
75005 Paris 5

Accessibility info

Access
Metro Jussieu line 7, line 10

Comments
Refine your search
Refine your search
Refine your search
Refine your search