Rabat has a background that is rich in history, with the Kasbah of Udayas, a fortress built in the 17th century by the Almoravid dynasty, remains of the Romans from the Chellah necropolis, and many other stunning discoveries from the Middle Ages. Luckily, you can see the ruins and treasures for yourself by visiting the museums and get up close and personal with the history of the country – here are 10 of Rabat’s best museums.
Museum of History and Civilizations of Rabat
Museum
Created in the 1920s, this museum exhibits archaeological discoveries, mostly from Volubilis, Thamusida and Banassa. Its main goal is to present Morocco to the public from prehistory up until the Islamic era. You’ll learn about the tools used by cavemen to hunt, and other remains of prehistoric tribes.
Museum Mohammed VI of Modern and Contemporary Art
Building, Museum
If you are in Rabat, you will probably walk past this museum, it is the white house with a whole facade of contemporary paintings. It opened in 2014 and is the first institution in Morocco to dedicate its whole space to modern and contemporary art. The museum has been exhibiting works by famous Moroccan artists such as Mohammed Ben Ali R’bati, Ahmed Louardiri, Meriem Meziane, Ahmed Cherkaoui and many more.
Maroc Telecom Museum
This museum is the first technological museum in Morocco, and it showcases the evolution of technology and media communications. You can see and even test the first and oldest payphones in Morocco; discover how the first telephone line in Morocco was established soon after the invention of the telephone by Graham Bell in 1876, and find out about many other interesting gadgets.
Bank Al Maghreb Museum
Museum
This museum exhibits all the currencies that were present in Morocco throughout the years. The story starts back in the Roman empire, and moves through the Almoravid Dinar and the Dirham from the Idrisid dynasty. It is the perfect place to understand about the development of currencies in the Kingdom.
Musée National de la Poste
Museum, Post Office
This museum located in a local post office, has free entry and a free guided tour. The post office was opened in the late 19th century by Sultan Moulay Hassan I, and became a museum in 1970. It was the first official form of communication between people in different cities in Morocco, and what is now known as a modern post office. Here, you can find different stamps representing different eras in history.
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Architecture Museum
Museum, School
This museum is located in the heart of the most important architecture school in Rabat. The main purpose of this museum is to show the public the development of Moroccan and traditional architecture and type of buildings constructed throughout the years.
Médersa Mérinide de Salé
Museum, School
This museum was initially a school for young boys to learn about Islam and science; it was built between 1333 and 1341 under the Marinade dynasty. It operated as a school until 1907 and was declared a national heritage 15 years later. It was also described by many as one of the smallest and prettiest madrasas (educational institutions) to be built, due to its nearly perfect architecture and hand-carved walls. In 2004, the Ministry of Culture invested £300,000 in this medusa to be restored and opened as a museum.
Musée des voitures classiques
Museum
This museum of classic cars is free to enter. At first glance, this ordinary villa looks just like a normal Moroccan house, but once you step inside, all the stunning cars on display, will take you by surprise. Models include a 1957 Chrysler DeSoto and a Cadillac Sedan from the same year. It is the best place to see these type of cars in Morocco.
Villa des Arts
Museum
This villa is located in the centre of Rabat and is very popular among both locals and tourists. Here, you will find all kinds of contemporary paintings by various artists. The museum also offers different types of events and workshops for adults and children.
This museum, that has a large collection of rare jewellery, traditional clothing and other cultural items, is located in the Kasbah of Oudaias, an ancient fortress built in 1672 by the Almoravid dynasty on the edge of the Bouregreg river. It became a museum in 1915, presenting artefacts that represent Moroccan traditions, from clothing to weaponry, and there is also a popular small garden outside, which is reminiscent of Moorish-Andalusian style.
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