Under the presidency of Jack Lang since 2013, the Institut du Monde Arabe, an emblem of the radiation of the cultures of the Arab world in their entire and vast diversity, was created in 1987 jointly by the French nation and the states of the Arab League, for the purpose of promoting the knowledge and the radiance of all aspects and forms of Arab culture. Today, the Institut du Monde Arabe is considered to be a true cultural bridge between France and the Arab world.
Conceived and created by Jean Nouvel and the Architecture Studio, it is equipped with a museum, a space for temporary exhibitions, an auditorium for theatre productions, cinema projections and conferences, a multimedia library, a language and civilizations centre, a bookshop and a prestigious area for receptions and events.
Situated in the very centre of historical Paris, the building is acknowledged the world over as a symbol of contemporary architecture. The Institut du Monde Arabe is established as an essential cultural centre of Arab culture and civilization.
In 2014, IMA renewal is illustrated by a succession of impressive events having attracted over one million visitors. The international success of several major exhibitions (“Once upon a Time the Orient Express”; “Hajj, The Pilgrimage to Mecca”, or “Morocco Today”), of the International Forum of Renewal of the Arab World inaugurated by President François Hollande, or of the day dedicated to the economic development of Morocco which assembled the most important leaders of industry and business of the Sharif Kingdom, have contributed to this exceptional rate of frequentation.