The iconic sites and the most recent openings, here’s what not to miss, according to us
Even though Marrakech is mostly famous for its lively souks, it is also home of several great museums.
Going from one attraction to the other would probably take you the whole day, but sometimes strolling around the alleys and losing yourself is well worth the effort. So, here is our proposed itinerary, but before getting started, don’t forget to boost your energy with our rich Moroccan breakfast, then wear your favourite outfit and open Google Maps.
The Maison de la Photographie is the first step. Located just 200 meters from the riad, this museum houses an impressive collection of black and white photographs from the 1870s to 1960s taken across Morocco, thus providing a glimpse into the life and landscapes of the past. The museum exhibits some young local artists too. Take your time and roam the three levels of the gallery, enjoy the peacefulness of the inner yard and head over to the rooftop terrace to get a 360° view of Medina while drinking mint tea. Address: Rue Ahl Fes, 46 Rue Bin Lafnadek, Marrakech. Open daily from 9:30 to 19:00.
Another landmark of the city rises a few steps away from Dar Darma: the Ben Youssef Medersa, once the largest Koranic school in North Africa. Unanimously considered a masterpiece of Hispano-Moresque architecture, this place charms people from all over the world with its five-colour zellij walls (traditional mosaic tilework), stucco arches, wood carvings, cedar windows and a mihrab (a niche that indicates the Mecca) made of Italian Carrara marble. While looking at the blue sky reflecting on the rectangular pool placed in the middle of the courtyard, take a deep breath and close your eyes: the serene, calm spiritual atmosphere prevailing inside the Medersa walls is priceless.
Address: Rue Assouel, Marrakech. Open daily from 9:00 to 20:00.
LE 18 is a multidisciplinary cultural space and art residency located in the medina of Marrakech, opened in 2013. This place is dedicated to research, creation and open dialogue, promoting mutual learning and knowledge sharing through a collaborative network. Through a program full of exhibitions, workshops and publications, LE 18 has become a platform for collective learning. Here, artists and thinkers come together to critically explore the cultural, political and economic dynamics that shape the life of our ecosystem and its position in the global context. The inclusive and collaborative nature of LE 18 makes it a place where ideas take shape and creativity blossoms, making it a must-visit reference point for anyone interested in contemporary culture in Marrakech.
Address: 18 Derb El Ferrane, Marrakech. Open Tue-Sat from 10:00 to 19:00.
In the heat you’ll want to take things easy. Head over to Musée de l’Art de Vivre, a cultural space dedicated to art and the history of perfume in Morocco. Visitors are invited to discover the universe of the creation of scents, from the distillation of floral waters through the extraction of essential oils.
Address: 2, Derb Chérif , Diour Saboun, Marrakech. Open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
The Musée de la Femme in Marrakech is an extraordinary institution that pays tribute to the strength, creativity and contributions of Moroccan women through the centuries. Located in the heart of the city, the museum provides a space for education and dialogue, challenging stereotypes and promoting gender equality. Carefully curated exhibitions explore various aspects of women’s lives, from their contributions to art and literature to their role in education, politics, and social activism. Visitors can discover stories of extraordinary women who have left an indelible mark on Morocco’s history, inspiring future generations with their courage and determination.
Address: 19 Route Sidi Abdelaziz, Souk Jeld, Marrakech. Open daily from 9:30 to 18:30.
An ancient riad turned into a museum called Boucharouite, this Marrakech exhibition space showcases magnificent carpets handmade by Berber women. Each carpet displayed on the museum’s walls is a true work of art, each with a unique story to tell and intricate details that reveal its craftsmanship. One of the most recent techniques presented is the Zindekh carpet, where women embroider using plastic bags as a base, creating unique and innovative pieces. Visiting this museum is like taking a journey through the secrets of Moroccan carpets, discovering the traditions and innovations that make these artifacts so special. It is a must-visit experience for anyone who wants to learn more about Berber culture and the textile art of Morocco.
Address: 107 Derb el Cadi, Marrakech. Open Mon-Sat from 09:30 to 18:00.
DADA Marrakech. Among the most surprising new spaces, DADA defines itself as a gathering space for art, food and music. Located in the heart of Marrakech, it seldom organises events involving local DJs, musicians, artists and chefs, thus letting the visitors immerse in a contemporary, exciting atmosphere. Until October 15th, art lovers can visit “Figura” by the street artist Grocco.
Address: 2 place Jemaa El Fna, Marrakech. Open Mon-Fri from 09:00 to 18:00. Sat-Sun from 10:00 to 18:00.
In the heart of the lively Kasbah quarter, you can visit Le Monde des Arts de la Parure museum, offering visitors a unique experience that celebrates beauty and cultural diversity. With a collection boasting nearly 3,000 pieces of jewelry, ornaments, clothing and textiles from more than 50 countries, this museum is a veritable treasure trove. Each of the exhibits tells a story, reflecting the cultural richness and craftsmanship of so many territories. After exploring these wonders, visitors can relax at SHAMS restaurant, located on the museum’s garden terrace. Here, you can enjoy delicious Levantine and Mediterranean cuisine, accompanied by a breathtaking view that makes the experience even more memorable.
Address: 39, 40 Ksibat Nhass, Marrakech. Open Tue-Sat from 10:00 to 17:30. Sun from 09:00 to 17:30.
As you can see, the Medina is rich in attractions. However, there are a number of cool spots in the more recent part of the city too. Heading towards the North, besides the worldwide popular Jardin Majorelle, celebrating its Centenary this year, and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, you will find some of the most avant-garde spaces in town. Located in the vibrant Guéliz neighborhood, L’Blassa Art Space stands out as an innovative co-working space and pop-up art gallery with the pan-African narrative at the core of its business.
Address: 38 Rue Tariq Bnou Ziad, Marrakech. Open Mon-Sat from 10:00 to 18:00.
Loft Art Gallery. Founded in 2009 by Myriem and Yasmine Berrada Sounni, Loft Art Gallery has worked since its inception to highlight the modern and contemporary art scene on the African continent. Based in Casablanca, in the trendy Golden Triangle neighborhood, the gallery has now a corner in Marrakech too. It is first and foremost a Moroccan art gallery, but with eyes wide open to the rest of the world.
Address: 60 Bd el Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakech. Open Mon from 15:00 to 19:00. Tue-Sat from 10:00-13:00 / 15:00-19:00.
Galerie Siniya 28. Established in March 2016 with the aim of supporting young, emerging Moroccan and international artists, Gallerie Siniya 28 aims at democratizing art and making it accessible to the young collectors and amateurs. It mainly works with artists that express themselves across multiple mediums, whether it’s ceramics, textile, design, drawings, photography, collage, painting or mixed media.
Address: Rue Tariq Bnou Ziad, Marrakech. Open Mon-Sat from 09:30 to 13:00 / 14:30-19:00.
Comptoir des Mines Galerie is a unique art space in Marrakech, founded in 2016 by Hicham Daoudi. This fascinating venue is renowned for its art-deco architecture and bold art programming, which attracts both art enthusiasts and architects from around the world. With an exhibition area of 1,500 m², the Comptoir des Mines Galerie hosts major events, including vernissages, exhibitions, and private tours. The building, built in 1932 as the headquarters of a mining company, has been meticulously renovated to maintain its historical authenticity, with details such as terrace floors and gilded mosaics. This space is not just a museum, but a true center for meeting and celebrating art and culture in Marrakech.
Address: 62 rue Yougoslavie, Marrakech. Opening hours upon request.
The Farid Belkahia Foundation is an art museum celebrating the extraordinary career of Moroccan artist Farid Belkahia, located in the heart of his historic atelier in Marrakech. Inaugurated in 2015 by the Farid Belkahia Foundation, this space is dedicated to the valorization and dissemination of the artist’s works and cultural legacy. Through an exhibition that covers the various stages of his artistic production, visitors can immerse themselves in the experiences and influences that have shaped Belkahia’s work, from his early youthful experiments to his more mature and innovative works. The museum not only offers an in-depth look at the techniques and materials used by the artist, such as worked copper and leather, but also promotes research and art education with scholarships and awards.
Address: Dar Tounsi, Palmeraie Nord, Marrakech. Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00.