Museums of Marrakech Morocco – Local Culture Art and History

Visiting Marrakech for the first time I enjoyed learning about the local culture through art and history. I visited modern art galleries as well as the historical museums. Staying in the walled city (the medina) of Marrakech I could explore the city on foot and get lost in the maze of narrow walkways. Many of the museums of Marrakech Morocco are located in the centuries old medina of Marrakech which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Apologies for my not-so-great photos but they were all taken with my Blackberry Tour mobile phone in 2010. I did do some corrective work to brighten up some of them and bring the color out.

I traveled to Morocco by myself, flying from Istanbul Türkiye in April, during the shoulder season, in between low and high season. So the weather was mostly pleasant, especially in Marrakech.

My afternoon tea time friend Aziz took me on a walking tour of the souks one day and afterwards I asked about contemporary art so he brought me to Thiam’s Gallery. I met Aziz while walking to my riad and he said “Remember you said you would come and look at the rugs today?!” No I didn’t but I smiled and laughed at his words. This is one of the lines that the souk vendors use to try to get tourists to spend some money in their shop. I started chatting with Aziz and visited each afternoon to drink tea and talk.

 

 

Palais de la Bahia

The first museum that I visited in Marrakech was the Palais de la Bahia – located in the Jewish Quarter, just a short walk from the Riad Massine II where I stayed for my eight days in Marrakech.

 

 

Bahia Palace, constructed in the late 19th century by the finest craftsmen in Morocco, took over 14 years to complete. Visitors may enter only a portion of the palace.

There are over 150 rooms and a large marble courtyard and fountains, intricate geometric designs and beautiful painted wooden doors.

 

 

Berber Museum at Jardin Majorelle

When I visited Marrakech the Berber Museum at the Jardin Majorelle was closed for renovations so I will let you explore some of the collection via their website here.

The Berber Museum contains over 600 objects depicting Berber culture and art.

 

 

 

Dar Si Said Museum

When I visited the Dar Si Said Museum (also known as Museum of Moroccan Arts) I was one of very few visitors and I enjoyed a private guided tour from staff member Omar.

I am not certain whether I received the extra attention because I was a lone female or because I showed such an interest in the details of the designs. Perhaps a bit of both.

 

 

There are many examples of elaborate carved designs in wood and plaster at Dar Si Said.

 

 

 

Ben Youssef Madrasa

My favorite museum in Marrakech was the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former Islamic college which closed in 1960. Then in 1982 it became a museum.

If you at all interested in architecture go visit Ben Youssef Madrasa.

 

 

 

 

 

Dar Bellerj Gallery

Adjacent to Ben Youssef Madrasa I noticed the gallery Dar Bellerj so I went inside to see what was on display. There was an exhibit of paintings by Moroccan artist Nadia Ouriachi Conejo.

 

 

This cactus painting reminds me of Texas :)

 

 

Marrakech Museum

A couple hundred meters from Ben Youssef Madrasa is the Marrakech Museum, formerly the Dar Menebhi Palace but converted to a museum in 1997.

 

 

From centuries old architecture to contemporary art I enjoyed visiting the museums of Marrakech Morocco and look forward to visiting again.

What is your favorite museum or gallery?