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Legend and History of an Enigmatic Queen

Discover The Cleopatra Mystery, a groundbreaking exhibition that separates fact from fiction surrounding Cleopatra VII, the last Ptolemaic queen, through 250 archaeological works, manuscripts, paintings, and sculptures that reveal a sovereign who was a strategist, scholar, and diplomat—far removed from orientalist stereotypes.

At the Institute of the Arab World, explore a two-act journey: history through relics of her reign—jewelry, coins, reliefs from Alexandria—and myth, from biased Roman chronicles to modern representations in opera, ballet, and cinema that have made her a feminist and anti-colonial icon.

This multidisciplinary immersion, confronting both Western and Arab sources, rehabilitates a figure of power and resistance, celebrating her legacy as a bridge between ancient Egypt and the contemporary Arab world.

Dates and Duration

From June 11, 2025 to January 11, 2026, this exhibition spans seven months, extending the exploration of Cleopatra through the heart of winter for a seasonal reflection on her eternal legacy.

Open Tuesday through Friday and weekends, it includes lectures, workshops, and guided tours to enrich your experience.

This generous duration allows for return visits, capturing the nuances of myth throughout Paris's cultural calendar.

Opening Hours

Open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 6pm, and Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 10am to 7pm (July-August: 11am-7pm weekdays, until 8pm weekends and 9:30pm Wednesdays); closed Mondays.

Self-guided visits last approximately 1.5 hours, allowing for fluid thematic navigation between history and legend.

These flexible hours, extended in summer, adapt to tourist rhythms while maintaining a contemplative atmosphere.

Address and Access

The complete address is: Institute of the Arab World, 1 rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, Place Mohammed V, 75005 Paris.

Located on the Left Bank near the Seine, the institute is accessible by metro (lines 7 and 10, Jussieu or Sully-Morland stations) or RER C (Austerlitz station).

This iconic 21st-century building, with its mechanical façade inspired by traditional Arab lattice screens, amplifies cultural dialogue, merging architectural modernity with ancient heritage.

Admission and Accessibility

Admission is €15 for full price (€13 reduced rate for students, seniors, and groups; €7 for ages 12-26); free for children under 12 and Europeans under 26 with proof of residency.

Online reservation recommended for time slots, with multilingual audio guides, tactile tours, and accessibility accommodations (elevators, wheelchairs) ensuring full inclusion.

This inclusive pricing democratizes access to the Cleopatra myth, making her story accessible to a young and diverse audience.

Artistic Context

Born in 69 BCE in Alexandria, Cleopatra VII (69-30 BCE), of Greek Ptolemaic descent, ruled an Egypt weakened by Rome, asserting her legitimacy through economic reforms, alliances with Caesar and Antony, and her role as a accomplished Egyptian pharaoh—bilingual, scholar, and architect of the Lighthouse of Alexandria.

Her legend, shaped by Roman historians like Plutarch and Dio Cassius who portrayed her as a fatal seductress, evolved into an icon: symbolizing Arab resistance against colonialism in the 19th century, a feminist figure in the United States, and a muse for the arts from Shakespeare to Verdi and Hollywood (Elizabeth Taylor in 1963).