10 Of Morocco's Best Museums

Morocco is a fantastic destination for culture lovers. With unique traditions, plentiful artwork, appealing accommodations in traditional riads, and cities such as Marrakech, Fes, Meknes and Chefchaouen that are bursting with history and character, you’ll never be short of something to pique your interest. There are fascinating destinations with literary connections, many beautiful buildings and more. Delve even deeper and see an array of objects as you learn more about the country at the varied museums around Morocco.

1. Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Rabat

Building, Museum

While there are several contemporary art museums and galleries around Morocco, Rabat’s Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMVI) was the country’s first public museum to achieve international museum standard. It is part of the National Foundation of Museums in Morocco, a not-for-profit organization that seeks to preserve and promote the arts and cultures of Moroccan heritage. Housed in a modern building that reflects Arab-Moorish designs, you can take a visual journey through the ages, beginning at the start of the 20th century and finishing at the present day. The artwork is well presented, and you’ll find pieces by international artists as well as Moroccan artists.

2. Museum of Moroccan Judaism, Casablanca

Museum, Synagogue

The Museum of Moroccan Judaism in Casablanca is the only museum dedicated to Jewish history and heritage across the whole of the Arabic-speaking world. The museum tells the story of Moroccan Jews, following their journey from Spain and Portugal to Morocco, and their subsequent desertion of North Africa. It shows the influences the Jewish community had on Moroccan culture and how, for many years, Jews and Muslims lived alongside each other. The museum shows life from times gone by in the mellahs (Jewish quarters around Morocco’s medinas). Exhibits include religious items like menorahs and scrolls, clothing and jewellery, documents, photographs, tools and a reconstructed synagogue.

3. Dar-el-Makhzen, Tangier

Building, Museum

Dar-el-Makhzen in Tangier was previously used as the city’s royal palace. It is therefore no surprise that the elegant building features numerous ornate touches and displays fine architectural designs and craftsmanship. There are two independent museums within the complex: the Museum of Antiquities and the Museum of Moroccan Arts. The former is within the old kitchens. It contains an array of ancient objects and antiquities discovered all around Morocco. Items date from prehistoric times to the medieval ages. The Museum of Moroccan Arts boasts a large art collection, with pieces gathered from different parts of the nation. The displays are in the former royal bedrooms.

Dar-el-Makhzen, Place de la Kasbah, Tangier
دارالمخزن یك بنای تاریخی واقع در طانجه كشور مراكش كه مقر اقامت سلاطین مراكش هنگام حضور آنها در شهر است.كاخ در طول سلطنت مولا اسماعیل در قرن هفدهم میلادی توسط احمد بن علی الریفی ژنرال ارتش مراكش و فرماندار نیمه خودمختار طانجه در یكی از بالاترین نقطه های این شهر مُشرِف به تنگه جبل الطارق ساخته شده است.در این مكان آخرین سلطان مستقل كشور مراكش مولا حَفید ساكن بوده است.در زمانی كه مراكش تحت حمایت فرانسه بود او مجبور به كناره گیری و تبعید شد كه با كل بردگان،حرمسرا و پرسنل خود نقل مكان كرد و در مجموع برادرش و 168 نفر از كاركنان سابق بنا،پیش از به قدرت رسیدن مولا یوسف برادر حَفید بعد از معاهده فِز در كاخ ماندند.این ساختمان دارای دو حیاط با سقف های چوبی،چشمه سنگ مرمر و تزیینات با محور اسلیمی است.برخی از ستون های استفاده شده از هنر رومی نشأت گرفته است.در حال حاضر از این بنا به عنوان موزه هنرهای مراكش و موزه باستانشناسی آثار باستانی استفاده می شود. #DarElMakhzen #SultanatePalace #Tangier #Morocco #Take_M_Out
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5. Museum of Marrakech, Marrakech

Building, Museum, School

The building that contains the Museum of Marrakech has an interesting history. Prior to French colonialism, the ornate palace was the home of the nation’s minister of defence. It became a girls’ school, and then was turned into a museum. It contains a large collection of Moroccan art, as well as objects that span the ages. Themes include history, archaeology and ethnography. The diverse items on display include documents, coins, pottery, clothing, calligraphy, and, perfect for fans of the macabre, old gravestones.

Museum of Marrakech, Place Ben Youssef, Marrakech-Médina, Marrakech +212 5244 41893
#museumofmarrakech #colors #tiles
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6. Tiskiwin Museum, Marrakech

Museum

The Tiskiwin Museum is another of Marrakech’s top museums. It occupies two neighbouring traditional riads. You can take a journey through Morocco’s trading history as you explore the different rooms, with each room dedicated to a particular theme, period or area. See the ancient route that merchants took through the mighty Sahara from Marrakech to Timbuktu, and learn more about the peoples and their lives from different places along the route. There are many tribal artefacts on display, along with carpets, tents and other crude shelters, baskets, tools, home items, jewellery and art.

7. Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Museum, Essaouira

Building, Museum

Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Museum is housed within the former grand residence of a local dignitary. The museum was named after the founder of Essaouira. Although fairly small, a visit is recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about the region’s traditions and culture. Of particular interest are items related to the Gnawa ethnic group. Items on display include weapons, rugs, pottery, coins, musical instruments, clothing, jewellery and wooden carvings. The architecture of the building itself is also impressive.

Musee du Cinema, Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate’s Musee du Cinema is a favourite with film lovers. It is often combined with a trip to the spectacular nearby Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed old kasbah that has been used as a shooting location for several movies. Contained within a former filming studio, the Musee du Cinema has a variety of old sets from different productions, cinematic props, retro movie posters, and old cameras and other filming equipment. The nearby Atlas Studios offer even more movie magic.

Musee du Cinema, Avenue Mohammed V, Ouarzazate 45000 +212 5248 90346
Laquica Fotography ???#est2017 #laquicafotography #morocco #ouarzazate #sonyalpha #mystery #shadowart #pillarofstrength
A post shared by Yann Dutertre (@juan_laquica) on May 7, 2017 at 10:47pm PDT

8. Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts, Fes

Building, Museum

Located next to the famous tanneries of Fes, the Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts is a good stop for anyone interested in the skill of wood carving. There are large doors with intricately carved patterns, wooden boxes of all sizes, musical instruments and more. You can also see the tools that are used by craftsmen. The rooftop terrace provides nice views over the medina. The building is an old fondouq, a place for travelling traders to stay with their goods and animals.

9. Borj Nord Museum, Fes

Museum

Perched on a hill overlooking the former imperial city of Fes, the Borj Nord Museum is dedicated to military history. A relatively new museum, having opened in 2016, it contains numerous old weapons, such as firearms, jewel-encrusted daggers, and swords, shields, coats of arms, powder kegs and photographs from the past. Items come from all around the world. The museum is in an old 16th century fortress that was constructed on the orders of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour. Its strategic position provides sweeping vistas over the surrounding areas.

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