Arab World Institute at Ziryab

Founded in 1987, the Institute builds bridges between France and the Arab world. Its history and rich culture allow it to put on exhibitions on a range of themes: art and culture, language and writing, science, religion, history and society. Across seven floors, its large permanent and temporary collections invite you to learn about history or deepen your knowledge through the many witnesses of the past: objects, testimonies and works of art. Above all a place of encounter and exchange, it also hosts performances in its auditorium.

The two current exhibitions cover two very different themes.
“With pen, brush and pencil: drawings from the Arab world” (until mid-September) presents around a hundred drawings from the 6th century to the present day.

“Football and the Arab world” tells the story of football’s revolution in society and the links created through players from immigrant backgrounds. Eleven stories to follow – an obvious nod to the number of players in a football team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=13&v=AFWkFGETWhM

On the building’s rooftop lies another treasure: Le Ziryab. Recently taken over by Michelin-starred chef Guy Martin, Le Ziryab offers revisited recipes made with Middle Eastern produce. Classic tagines and couscous are of course on the menu, but the chef’s signature really shows in dishes less familiar to Western diners, such as samboussek (cheese pastry, broad beans with sumac) or alkarus (roasted line-caught sea bass, lentils and freekeh with cumin, walnuts and pomegranate).
One of the most beautiful views of the Seine in Paris while enjoying a starred chef’s cooking: what more could you ask for?

Food for both mind and palate!

Practical information: Institut du monde arabe and Le Ziryab restaurant – 1 rue des Fossés-Saint-Bernard – 20 minutes by metro on line 7 from “Pyramides” to “Sully-Morland”.

Institut du monde arabe:
Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, weekends from 10 am to 7 pm.
To book: https://billetterie.imarabe.org/selection/timeslotpass?productId=101344901466
Prices: up to €8 (free under certain conditions – see link above)

Restaurant:
Open Tuesday to Sunday from noon to midnight
Restaurant prices: from €39 to €60
To book: https://www.lafourchette.com/restaurant/le-ziryab/443405