The Arab World Institute
Located along the Seine river, the Arab World Institute was designed
by a group of architects (Jean Nouve, Pierre Sorial and Architecture Studio)
who attempted to combine Arab and Western culture . This glass and aluminum
facade, dedicated to the Arab World, is made up of 240 moucharabiahs that
love to play hide and seek with the sun. Every hour, the steel patterns
change their positions according to the sun's movement.
After gazing at this strange structure, let's enter the Arab World to
check what is hidden behind these 240 moucharabiahs. A museum located
on the seventh floor invites you to discover the history of the Arab World
through the display of 600 objects (sculptures, ceramics…). On the
first floor, you will find a free-access library containing hundreds of
books referring to sensitive topics such as Oriental Dance and the Jihads.
You will also find a large selection of CD's and post cards as a souvenir
of your trip to the Arab World of Paris.
The TV room, located on the first floor, holds a true treasure: the
biggest archive collection of all Europe. The numbers are stunning: 12,500
photos, 440 documentaries and more than 600 hours of music! You'll also
be able to view programs from the Arab medias (Arab television programming)..
 …the
gift shop is not far away. It is only located a few steps away from the
institute. And unlike some gift shops, this one is worth the extra walk.
You will find a lot of authenticity in this place where terra cotta art
competes with carpets, soaps, tea pots... at very affordable rates.
Institut
du monde arabe
1, rue des Fossées Saint-Bernard
75005 PARIS
Opened from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 A.M to 6:00 PM.
Metro : Jussieu – Cardinal Lemoine – Sully Morlan (line 7).
THE MOSQUE
 
A monotonous voice coming from the Latin neighborhood and reaching the
heavens of Paris… It's the Muezzin, suspended at 33 meters from
the ground, and calling its followers for the prayer. The non-believers
prick up their ears, intrigued and attracted by this captivating voice.
Enter this place of worship and appreciate its beauty. The first door
faces the internal courtyard where you can appreciate the finely kept
garden and its Moorish style. The patio leads into the prayer hall which
is not open to foreigners. One the other hand, you'll be able to take
advantage of the Hammam (Turkish baths) but you won't be able to enter
the ablution room reserved for Muslims.
By its authenticity, this hammam is the most pleasant one you will encounter
in France. A good opportunity of getting together with your friends or
spending time on your own. Two massages, a scrubbing, and a cup of tea
in between... Here men and women don't mix.
 
Every room in the Mosque contains a hidden masterpiece made up of cedar,
of oak, of coral and of eucalyptus. On top of that, the floor paved with
marbles contrasts beautifully with the wood carved cealing.
This dive into the Moorish culture will teach you about Islam and about
Nothern Africa's architecture and its emphasis on detail. This visit will
also enable you to test typical North African food. Couscous, pastry,
mint tea and Turkish coffee are served at the Mosque Cafe ("Café
de la mosque"). You can also find jewelry, leather objects and carpets
at the souk (market).
La
mosquée de Paris
2, bis place du puits de l'Ermite
75005 Paris
Metro : Place Monge, Jussieu, Censier (line 7) |
France :