Paris History

Institut du Monde Arabe

The Arab World Institute is an organization founded in Paris in 1980 by 19 Arab countries with France to research and disseminate information about the Arab world and its cultural and spiritual values.

The Institute was established as a result of a perceived lack of representation in the Arab world in France, and seeks to provide a secular location for the promotion of Arab civilization, art and knowledge.

Origins

The Arab World Institute is located in a building known as the “Institut du Monde Arabe”, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris.
Originally, the project was conceived in 1973 by President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing.
But the museum was constructed between 1981 and 1987 (by the architect Jean Nouvel) under the presidency of the French President Francois Mitterrand
as part of his urban development series entitled, the “Grand Projets.”

The Institute promotes cooperation and exchanges between France and the Arab nations, particularly in the areas of science and technology, contributing to the understanding between the Arab world and Europe.

Nowadays

In February, 2012, The Arab World Institute revealed its new spaces, after three years of works.
More than 560 unpublished works, divided on four levels, are presented:
bronzes, ceramic, woodwork, textiles, scientific objects, illuminations and great exhibitions are regularly organized.

Museum and exhibition

The museum’s aim is to make discover the Arab-Islamic civilization, from the origins to our times. It’s divided in three parts: Islam birth, then the social life in the Arab world and at the end of the museum,
you can admire contemporary works of art which represent the actual world.

The Arab World Institute organized each year temporary exhibition that shows the Arab world wealth and diversity of creation.

Some exhibitions highlights the historical heritage of these territories like “Osiris, mystères engloutis d’Égypte” 
and the other shows the contemporary Arabs world like “Hip Hop, du Bronx aux rues arabes” or “Maroc contemporain”.
Some society facts like “Hajj, le pèlerinage à la Mecque” or the links between East and West
with “Il était une fois l’Orient Express” are presented.

Library and the Tower of Books

The spaces of the library are distributed on three interconnected levels of the Tower of books,
a spiral which makes discovering in a long panoramic view the city shape, the Seine, Notre Dame, and the boulevard Saint-Germain.

This “Tower of books” ramp reminds the famous minaret of the Samarra mosque.

Hypostyle room

This space reminds, by its hugeness, the Luxor temple and especially the Córdoba mosque, an emblem of the Arab-Muslim world architecture.

This place proposes throughout the visit to discover pieces coming from Riyadh, Bahrain and even Damascus, Alep and Palmyra, arrived in Paris before the beginning of the war
(like a piece of Palmyra tombstone).

Guest Apartment Services recommendations

In the 9th Floor, the panoramic terrace offers a splendid view of Paris
with all its monuments and in the first plan, the Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris.
During your teatime or in the evening with a cocktail, just come and try the experience to see a beautiful sunset.

Sources et crédits : imarabe.org, Wikipédia

Bridges of Paris

Paris would not be Paris without its thirty-seven bridges. They inspire romance, offer practical pathways for exploring the city, and often take you directly to famous landmarks. The very best way to commence your visit to is to be located on Ile Saint Louis staying in one of our luxury apartments. The Ile’s unique location affords you easy access to many iconic bridges, which enable you to look down upon the River Seine.  As night falls, beacons of light from these bridges light your way, and bathe the city in an enchanting vista.  Paris is home to many world-renowned sites but gazing upon the Seine as dusk falls is the way to experience the true soul of Paris.

Pont Marie : At each end of this bridge lies Ile Saint Louis and the Hotel de Ville on the Right Bank. Built in 1613, it is one of the oldest bridges in Paris, and is comprised of five arches. It connects the fascinating precincts of le Marais and Ile Saint Louis, and since 1887 it has been classified as a “Historical Monument”. We confess that Pont Marie is probably our favorite bridge as it inspires true romance. It is hardly surprising it is often referred to as “the lovers bridge”. So please remember when you linger above its arches to enjoy a kiss with your loved one, as is the tradition here in Paris.

Pont de La Tournelle : It is located between the Left Bank and Ile Saint Louis in the 5th and 4th districts of Paris. It was destroyed in 1918 but was rebuilt between 1928 and 1930. This bridge is by design dissymmetric and was constructed this way so that you can easily witness the  many curves of the Seine. From this bridge you can also enjoy a wonderful view of the back of Notre-Dame. The statue of Sainte Geneviève is the Patron Saint of Paris and continues to serve as a protector of the city.  

Pont de Sully : This beautiful bridge was built between 1873 and 1876 and features a design initiated by the famous Parisian architect Georges-Eugene Haussmann. Pont de Sully is composed of two bridges that are actually an extension of one another. It affords a unique and spectacular view of the banks of Ile Saint Louis and Notre-Dame.

Pont Louis Philippe: This much-loved bridge was built between 1860 and 1862. Its three arches support the bridge, and it is especially beautiful when illuminated at night. 

Pont Saint Louis: By Paris standards this is a recent construction as it was only completed in 1970.  We call it “la Passerelle” because it is a relatively small bridge, and connects Ile Saint Louis to Ile de la Cité. On this pedestrian only bridge you can enjoy a relaxed stroll and linger to admire the views of Notre-Dame.

When you join us for a stay in one of our a luxury boutique apartments you will also have the opportunity to enjoy these many wonderful bridges. Each day these bridges put on a different ‘face’ to reflect the mood of the city whether it is raining and windy, or bathed in warm sunshine. They are special places for quiet reflection and continue to be locations that unravel feelings of joy and inspiration for both residents and visitors to Paris.

We look forward to welcoming you soon for a stay with us at Guest Apartment Services Paris.
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