In 1980, France and 18 Middle Eastern and North African nations joined forces to create the Arab World Institute, an organization dedicated to furthering cross-cultural dialogue. The building that houses it, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, is a sight to behold, with thousands of photoelectrically sensitive apertures adorning its glass façade in a nod to the traditional mashrabiya of Arabic architecture. Inside, visitors can explore a museum of Arabic culture and history (4th to 7th floors) and a host of temporary exhibitions.