control the amount of light and heat entering the building from the sun. The mechanism creates interior spaces with filtered light — an effect often used in Islamic architecture with its climate-oriented strategies. The innovative use of technology and success of the building's design catapulted Nouvel to fame and is one of the cultural reference points of Paris. The building was the recipient of the 1989 Aga Khan Award for Architectural Excellence. Jury members included historian Oleg Grabar. Presidents Jean Basdevant (1979–1980) Philippe Ardant (1980–1985) Pierre Guidoni (1985–1986) Paul Carton (1986–1988) Edgard Pisani (1988–1995) Camille Cabana (1995–2002) Denis Bauchard (2002–2004) Yves Guéna (2004–2007) Dominique Baudis (2007–2009) Dominique Baudis and Bruno Levallois (2009–2011) Renaud Muselier and Bruno Levallois (2011–2013) Jack Lang (2013–present) Museum Within the museum are objects from the Arab world ranging from before Islam through into the twentieth century. One of the main initiatives within the museum is the inclusion of special exhibitions. Special exhibitions 1991 Fahrelnissa Zeid as part of the Trois Femmes Peintres exhibition. 2016 Osiris: The Submerged Mysteries of Egypt Voices of animals: the fables of Kalila and Dimna Nomadic Sculpture by Rodolphe Hammadi First biennial of contemporary Arab photography CoeXist 2017 'Masterpieces of Modern and Contemporary Arab Art' by the Barjeel Art Foundation In popular culture Michel Houellebecq sets a pivotal scene in his novel Submission at a reception held in the Institute's rooftop restaurant and terrace. Awards In 2018, the Arab World Institute won the Cultural Personality of the Year from the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. See also List of museums in Paris List of foreign cultural institutes in Paris Grand Projets Quai Branly Louvre Abu Dhabi References External links Official website Arabs in France Buildings and structures in Paris Buildings and structures in the 5th arrondissement of Paris Arab organizations Jean Nouvel buildings Research institutes established in 1980 Museums in Paris Islamic museums