The 10 Best Museums in Marrakech
Planning a trip to Morocco’s former imperial capital of Marrakech? While the Red City is famous for its lively souks, the statuesque Koutoubia Mosque, the old medina, and the carnival-like atmosphere of Djemaa el-Fna, there are plenty of great museums to discover too.
1. Museum of Marrakech
Building, Museum, School
The Museum of Marrakech is housed within one of the city’s former palaces. The grand building was the private residence of the country’s defence minister before the colonial era. It was later used as a school for girls before being carefully restored and opened as a museum. The lavish Andalusian-style inner courtyard is a highlight, with carved cedar wood, colourful tiles, stained-glass windows, ornamental pillars, a large chandelier, and painted doorways. Visitors can also see the less opulent hammam and kitchen. An array of artwork and artefacts can be found in the various rooms, with pieces from the present time as well as the past. Collections include pottery, calligraphy, old gravestones, coins, paintings, clothing, and historic documents. The museum covers archeaology, ethnography, history, and art. Admission is 50 Moroccan dirhams (US$5).
Museum of Marrakech, Place Ben Youssef, Marrakech-Medina, Morocco
2. Tiskiwin Museum
Museum
3. Heritage Museum
Museum
5. Mouassine Museum
Building, Museum
6. Musee Boucharouite
Museum
It may be relatively small, but Musee Boucharouite packs a punch for anyone interested in traditional carpets and rugs. The collections focus on items handcrafted by Berber women, and visitors will immediately notice the difference between such rugs and the traditional Arabic rugs that are commonly found in the souks and homes around Marrakech. The museum is a testament to a lesser-appreciated, though no less visually pleasing, craft. The admission fee is 40 Moroccan dirhams (US$4).
Musee Boucharouite, 107 40000, Derb al Cadi, Marrakesh, Morocco
7. Maison de la Photographie
Opened as a joint collaboration between a Marrakshi and Parisien, Maison de la Photographie houses many old photographs that show snapshots of Morocco and Moroccan life from the 1870s through to the 1960s. There are also original glass negatives collected from the High Atlas regions, old documents, magazines, and postcards. Visitors can watch a rare colour documentary filmed in Morocco in the late 1950s too. The entrance fee is 40 Moroccan dirhams (US$4).
Maison de la Photographie, 46 Rue Bin Lafnadek, Marrakesh 400030, Morocco
8. Museum of the Palmery
Museum
9. Berber Museum
Building, Museum
10. Observatoire Astronomie
Located within Centre Culturel Atlas Golf, Observatoire Astronomie is a top spot for fans of stargazing and astronomy. The equipment contains the largest telescope in Morocco, with observation sessions held each Friday evening. Learn more about the universe and how the viewing apparatus works. Observation sessions cost 160 Moroccan dirhams (US$16) per person.
Observatoire Astronomie, 1, route d’Amizmiz, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Found within the historic heart of Marrakech’s medina, the newer colonial-era area of Gueliz, the lush village of Palmeraie, and in other parts of the large city, Marrakech’s diverse museums are sure to please.
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