“This building, which will be a symbol of the permanent presence of the Jamat in France, when completed, will be a significant addition to the architectural and cultural landscape of Paris…It is my hope that in addition to providing space for the Jamat’s congregational practices, this Centre will become a social and cultural centre for the Jamat of the jurisdiction, its extended families and its neighbours.” — Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, Talika Mubarak, January 2026.

By MALIK MERCHANT

The Talika in January 2026 of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the 50th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, announcing his approval for the development of a new Ismaili Centre in Paris, as his father, Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, wished, underscores the importance of the Ismaili community’s global Ismaili Centres, which currently total seven — London, Vancouver, Lisbon, Dubai, Dushanbe, Toronto and Houston.

I was excited to visit the site during my recent — and first-ever — trip to Paris, which Mawlana Hazar Imam described as “undoubtedly one of the greatest cities in the world” in his July 12, 2025, Farman to the Jamats of France and those living under its jurisdiction. Most recently, on November 6, 2025, I had the privilege of attending the inauguration of the Ismaili Centre in Houston, and in 2014, the inauguration of the Ismaili Centre in Toronto. Being present for these two inaugurations in person and seeing the Ismaili Centres in London, Lisbon, and Vancouver has deepened my connection to and pride in them, built around Mawlana Shah Karim’s enduring vision since 1985. This new site for the development of the eighth Ismaili Centre in the world further highlights the growth and significance of Ismaili Centres, which serve as ambassadorial buildings and hubs for community, spirituality, and cultural development, and as inviting spaces for local communities to attend and participate in events that foster cross-cultural understanding.

As I began my 1.2 km walk from Hotel Mercedes on Avenue de Wagram early in the morning on the final day of my stay in Paris, I wondered: Where is the Ismaili Centre Site in relation to the Arc de Triomphe? How does the site presently look? What major streets intersect the site? And what is nearby?

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From the start of my walk, I could see the majestic Arc de Triomphe, whose vast size and intricate details evoke admiration and awe, especially when you stand close to it. It is simply an amazing monument in a beautiful city full of museums and art galleries, with the scenic Seine River dotted along by historic buildings, the Eiffel Tower and book and magazine stands, where I personally discovered a rare 1st edition of the Memoirs of Aga Khan and very old magazines with cover stories of Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah and Mawlana Shah Karim. Sharing this moment makes me hope you feel the same sense of wonder and passion for discovery when you visit Paris.

A friend had given me the exact address of the Ismaili Centre Site — 15, Rue Beaujon — and I walked there with great excitement. When I arrived at the site, I wondered if I was in the correct place. I was expecting to see a large, open space, but instead I found myself facing a fenced building with construction notices. For real, would this be the site of the Ismaili Centre? I walked a further 100 metres to make sure I wasn’t at the wrong address. Once confirmed, I wondered how this narrow space, sharing buildings on either side, would host an Ismaili Centre? One might have wondered the same when they saw the original site of the Ismaili Centre in London, making me curious about how such a modest space could serve as a cultural hub.

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The Ismail community’s official website had earlier shared a short video of the new Centre (watch the YouTube video below), which I hadn’t watched until after my site visit. Seeing the video, I promised myself I would revisit Paris in a few years to see the Centre as a transformed structure, having seen its current state and surroundings firsthand. When the Centre is completed, it will be a day of extraordinary wonder for me.

I am pleased to share exclusive photos from my visit to the site on March 1, 2026.

Date posted: March 18, 2026.
Last updated: March 26, 2026.

NOTE: A version of this post appears on our sister photoblog, Simergphotos.

CORRECTION: The previous version of this post had misquoted the inauguration of the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon as 1988. The Centre was opened in 1998.

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