What is the Arab World Institute ?
Architecture

The Arab World Institute (AWI) was founded in 1980, a result of a partnership between France and 22 Arab countries. The building was opened in 1987. The aim of the AWI, officially recognised as being of public interest, is to develop knowledge of the Arab world, and to promote its culture and civilisation in France and the rest of Europe.

The AWI is situated between Paris VI University in Place Jussieu and the banks of Seine, and was built on a site of great historic interest where once stood la porte Saint-Bernard (the Saint Bernard Gate), l’abbaye Saint-Victor (the Abbey of Saint Victor) and la Halle aux vins (the wine market). Several architects collaborated in its creation (Jean Nouvel, Gilbert Lezenes, Pierre Soria and Architecture Studio), and the AWI is a symbolic fusion, where Eastern and Western architectural concepts come together, creating a bridge between and ancient and modern. Looking beyond its strikingly modern constru_ ction of glass and aluminium, are many architectural elements characteristic of Eastern traditions – the moucharaby, latticed windows of the south façade, the ryad, interior courtyard, the ziggurat, pyramid-shaped roof of the book tower – reinterpreted along new lines. The terrace, on the 9th floor, offers an exceptional view over Paris. The temporary museum A renovated museum will open in spring 2011. During the renovation work, the

temporary museum aims to give visitors an idea of the Arab-Muslim civilization and its art, by showing its sources, its formation and its flowering. It presents pieces (bas-reliefs, statues, ceramics, miniatures, carpets, textiles, jewellery …) which are organized by themes that relate to the living environment and the way of life, knowledge and beliefs, professions and philosophy. Open from 10am to 6pm every day except Monday Entrance : Level 1 Tickets : Level 0 Prices : 6€, 4€ (concessions) The AWI Library is a collection of documents unique in