L’Institut du monde arabe Tourcoing
Exhibition venue with a focus on the Arab world
L’Institut du monde arabe Tourcoing (the Institute of the Arab World Tourcoing), also known as IMA Tourcoing, is part cultural centre and part museum with a focus on Arab culture and history.
The institute avoids presenting a singular narrative of the Arab world with exhibits that showcase the region’s diversity, encompassing everything from ancient civilisations to contemporary art and social issues.
Like La Piscine in Roubaix, L’Institut du monde arabe is housed in a former swimming pool, providing a distinctive setting for its exhibition programme.
What to see at L’Institut du monde arabe Tourcoing
The institute features a programme of thoughtfully curated exhibitions that explore various aspects of Arab history and culture. You might encounter artefacts from ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, marvel at the architectural wonders of Islamic empires and learn about the contributions of Arab scholars and scientists to various fields.
The experience extends beyond the galleries and also includes a cultural centre with language courses, film screenings and talks by renowned scholars and artists.
Current and planned exhibitions include:
Ya Rayi! Une histoire de la musique raï
This exhibition (27 February–27 July 2025) is the first dedicated to raï music. Originating in Algeria’s Oran region, raï emerged in the early 20th century as a response to social and political constraints. It became a global phenomenon and was recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022. The exhibition traces raï’s evolution, from its roots with pioneers like Cheikh Hamada to its modern reinvention with artists such as Cheb Khaled and Cheba Fadela. Highlights include instruments, stage costumes and rare collections of vinyl records and cassette tapes.
Visiting L’Institut du monde arabe Tourcoing
L’Institut du monde arabe is in Tourcoing in Lille’s suburbs, 12.5km northeast of the centre of Lille and just 2.5km from the Belgian border. It is only a two-minute walk from Colbert metro station, which makes it a relatively easy place to visit from elsewhere in the Lille area.
Entry to the exhibition spaces is reasonably priced with free admission if you have the Lille City Pass or la C’ART.
For an additional charge, there are guided tours of the exhibition that take place at 3.30pm on weekends.
Free entry to L’Institut du monde arabe Tourcoing with the Lille City Pass
The Lille City Pass gives you free entry to L’Institut du monde arabe Tourcoing plus public transport and entry to over 25 other attractions in and around Lille.
We may earn a small commission if you purchase a Lille City Pass after clicking this link.
9, rue Gabriel Péri, 59200 Tourcoing
Metro Colbert (line 2) Bus 84, 87, 89, C8, L4 (stop: Colbert, Tourcoing Hôtel de Ville)
Website www.ima-tourcoing.fr
Admission €5, young people (aged under 26) €4, free with the Lille City Pass and and la C’ART
Guided tours €7, young people (aged under 26) €6
Open Tue–Sun 1pm–5.45pm
Guided tours Sat–Sun 3.30pm
