Marrakech Museum — Attraction in Marrakesh Prefecture

Most interesting thing about this museum is not the exhibition inside, but the palace itself. Museum is housed in Dar Menebhi, beautiful palace built in the beginning of 20st century by Minister of War under rule of Sultan Abdelaziz, Mehdi el Menebhi. During the time El Menebhi served as a ambassador in London palace was seized by family of Pacha Thami El Glaoui, and after 1956 was seizer by state and in 1965 converted to a girl’s school. After long period on neglect palace was carefully renovated by Omar Benjelloun Foundation in 1997 and open to public as a museum. The palace is an example of late 19th-century and early 20th-century Moroccan architecture, one of many such palaces built by wealthy elites during this period. The palace consists of a large central courtyard, which was originally an open riad garden planted with trees, but today is fully paved and roofed over. The courtyard is centered around several fountains and surrounded by roofed galleries and wall fountains, all decorated with colorful zellij tilework and painted and carved cedar wood. The courtyard today also contains a huge, central chandelier made up of brass pieces cut into ornate geometric and arabesque motifs. Various rooms branch off the courtyard, including chambers with more ornate wood and stucco decoration. It was also equipped with multiple facilities typical of large palaces, such as kitchens and a hammam (bathhouse) – the latter being distinguished by its characteristic domed and vaulted chambers. The museum holds a diverse collection of traditional art objects from different regions of Morocco and different parts of its population, such as, weapons, carpets, costumes, pottery from Fez, Berber jewellery, Jewish liturgical objects, and more. The museum also holds exhibits of...

I arrived an hour before closing and was concerned that I wouldn’t have time to see everything, I needn’t have worried, it is a quick museum to view, particularly for the English speakers amongst us, as very little of the descriptions are writer in anything other than Arabic and French (in a way that’s fair enough as these are the main languages spoken in Morocco).

It is quite a content light as museums go but there are some interesting displays and artefacts to be seen, it’s just a shame the display cabinets are so dusty inside with the addition of the odd cracked pane of glass here and there!

There were also some displays of “modern art”, a lot of which wasn’t ‘art gallery standard’ shall we say, none with any information about the piece nor the artist, but many with eyebrow raising price tags (something I can’t say I’ve seen in many museums or galleries before!)

My lasting impression of the museum was of a tatty space with peeling walls, dusty displays and a sideline in selling ‘interesting’ local art. This for me was summed up by the sinks in the gents toilet that had ill fitting taps, rather than adjust or change the taps, a hole had been broken in the ornamental wood splash back. There is so much potential but no care or thought being taken, or perhaps it is just underfunded.

The huge metal chandelier in the main room is pretty stunning though, along side beautiful historic...

The Marrakech Museum, situated in the historic Dar Menebhi Palace, offers visitors a rich exploration of Moroccan art and culture. The palace itself is a stunning example of classical Andalusian architecture, featuring a central courtyard adorned with a magnificent chandelier.

Admission Options:

• Standard Entry: 70 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) per person.  • Guided Tours: For a more in-depth experience, guided tours are available at varying prices, starting from 399 MAD. 

Operating Hours:

The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

Highlights:

• Art Collections: The museum houses a diverse collection of Moroccan art, including traditional ceramics, textiles, and jewelry. • Architectural Beauty: Beyond the exhibits, the palace’s architecture, with its intricate tilework and ornate carvings, is a highlight in itself.

Visitor Tips:

• Language: Exhibit descriptions are primarily in French and Arabic. Visitors may benefit from a guided tour for detailed insights. • Photography: Photography is allowed in most areas, but it’s advisable to check for any restrictions in specific sections.

Overall, the Marrakech Museum provides a captivating glimpse into Morocco’s artistic heritage, making it a worthwhile stop for both art enthusiasts and those interested in historical...