The Arab World Museum
The Arab World Institute is a museum, library, and cultural center on the banks of the Seine designed showcase the history, legacy, and culture of the Arab world as a whole and the millions of citizens of Arab descent that now reside in France. Located in the 5th Arrondissement, the first thing that stands out about the AWI is the building itself. Designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, the building’s southern face is a sheer wall of photo-sensitive geometric apertures which regulate the light let into the building while mimicking the evocative window screens found throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
Inside, there’s a main hall, a library, and a gift store, as well as a a small (by Paris terms, at least) but interesting museum with items like carpets, ancient pottery, and calligraphy from across the Muslim world. They also hold temporary exhibits featuring up-and-coming artists from the Middle East and North Africa as well as more established exhibits like Ancient Egyptian artifacts. Oh, and there is a rooftop terrace with some of the best views of the city you’ll find anywhere.
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