Institut du Monde Arabe

The Institut du monde arabe (IMA) is a foundation under French law whose fundamental mission is to serve as a cultural, intellectual, and diplomatic bridge between France, Europe, and the Arab world. Its primary goal is to develop and deepen the knowledge of Arab civilization in France by highlighting not only its language and history but also its cultural and spiritual values.

Beyond this educational dimension, the organization is dedicated to actively fostering cultural exchange and technical cooperation. It defines itself as a privileged space for dialogue, where it is possible to engage in collective reflection on the challenges of today’s world and future prospects. Through these actions, the Institute contributes directly to the growth of bilateral relations between France and the Arab world, while participating in a broader dynamic of rapprochement between the latter and the European continent as a whole.

Officially founded on February 28, 1980, the Institute brings this mission to life through an iconic establishment located in the heart of Paris. This unique venue, born from a partnership between France and the member states of the League of Arab States, fulfills its statutory objectives by housing a museum of art and history, a specialized language center, a reference library, and numerous temporary exhibitions. Its celebrated architecture, characterized by metallic diaphragms reminiscent of traditional mashrabiyas, physically symbolizes the synthesis between Arab tradition and technological modernity that the foundation strives to promote.