6 Best Museums in Essaouira: Culture + Art + History

From a Jewish cultural centre to private art galleries and cultural heritage displays, discover 6 of the best museums in Essaouira.

Encircled by 18th-century ramparts, Essaouira’s whitewashed medina is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways. It’s home to bustling produce stalls and souks, where artisans can be seen busy at work.

Hidden within some of its unassuming buildings are a handful of museums, dedicated to everything from contemporary art to cultural history and the city’s religious heritage. 

While Essaouira doesn’t boast the wealth of museums found in Marrakech, Casablanca and Rabat, its reputation as an artistic hub definitely shines through. In short, there is an abundance of galleries.

With this mind, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best art galleries in Essaouira in another article to help you plan your own art trail. 

In this article, I’ll introduce 6 of the best museums in Essaouira to add to your itinerary, whether you’re a culture vulture or an art aficionado.

For more information about things to see and do in this coastal city, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Essaouira.

If you’re looking for accommodation inspiration, I’ve put together a list of my top picks for every budget, as well as some of the best tours in Essaouira.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!

Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum – CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RESTORATION

Named after the founder of Essaouira, this history museum is housed within a 19th-century pasha’s residence. The collection is diverse and includes everything from musical instruments to pottery, textiles and jewellery. 

There are ancient coins that provide insight into past trade networks and ornate carpets from local weavers. In short, the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum is a good starting point for understanding the cultural heritage of Essaouira.

Not to miss are the artefacts belonging to the Gnaoua ethnic group, whose unique cultural imprint is deeply woven into the fabric of Essaouira.

It’s worth keeping in mind that signage is in French and Arabic only. While reading reviews, it’s clear this has left some English-speaking visitors feeling overlooked. 

Opening hours of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (closed Tuesdays)

Entrance fee for Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum: 70 dh

Galerie de la Kasbah

Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century riad, this beloved gallery showcases artists from Morocco and beyond. Its 400-square-metre footprint offers ample space to present a diverse array of artistic styles. You’ll find everything from Surrealism and Realism to Impressionism and Abstract works. 

The Galerie de la Kasbah is set across four floors, with a total of 100 artists represented within its walls. It’s worth a visit not only for the imaginative works on display but also the beauty of the riad’s architecture. Topping it all off is the gallery’s panoramic view across the whitewashed buildings of Essaouira. 

Opening hours of Galerie de la Kasbah: 9 am to 9 pm

Entrance fee for Galerie de la Kasbah: Free

Bayt Dakira

In Essaouira’s historic Jewish quarter is Bayt Dakira, or the “House of Memory.” It serves as a sacred space dedicated to preserving and honouring the legacy of the city’s Jewish community. Through its curated exhibitions, the museum aims to illuminate the story of coexistence between Muslims and Jews in Essaouira.

This is visible with the moment you step through the front door. Here, you are greeted by the phrase “Shalom Aleykoum, Salam Lekoulam” that blends Arabic and Hebrew. Within its halls, Bayt Dakira displays artefacts, texts and photographs that bear witness to the profound connections between the two faith traditions.

Alongside the museum lies the Simon Attias Synagogue, an architectural gem that’s worth popping your head inside. All in all, I think this is one of the best museums in Essaouira for anyone interested in cultural heritage.

It’s worth noting that information at Bayt Dakira is only provided in Darija and French.

Opening hours of Bayt Dakira: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm (closed Saturdays)

Entrance fee for Bayt Dakira: Free

Centre d’Art Le Real Mogador

Originally serving as an Italian consulate, this authentic Moroccan riad has been lovingly restored. Over the years, it has been transformed by its passionate owner, François Real, into a treasure trove of art.

The three floors of the riad remain in their original neutral palette. This stands in striking contrast to the vibrant colours and textures that Real has incorporated throughout the rest of the space. 

The ground and first floors house an art centre. It showcases the works of four exceptional artists. There are self-taught masters of the Outsider art movement, which is specific to the Essaouira region.

Meanwhile, the second floor is a private residence and artist’s retreat. Here, Real has cultivated an imaginative universe filled with his own personal art collection.

Opening hours of Centre d’Art Le Real Mogador: 3 pm to 7:30 pm daily

Entrance fee for the Centre d’Art Le Real Mogador: Free

La Cité Heureuse

This small museum occupies a 19th-century building on the edge of Place Moulay Hassan and is completely free to enter. Its name translates as “The Happy City”, which I think is an apt description of Essaouira. 

While La Cité Heureuse doesn’t boast an extensive collection or a lot of information, it’s worth popping your head in if you’re en route to the port. The mosaic that sprawls across the path leading to the museum is worth the visit alone!

On display are several photographs of Essaouira in times gone by, as well as a couple of models. Information is available in French and Darija only.

Opening hours of La Cité Heureuse: 10 am to 5 pm

Entrance fee for La Cité Heureuse: Free

Dar Souiri

Occupying a historic building near Bab Sbaa, Dar Souiri is definitely one of the best museums in Essaouira. This cultural centre serves as a focal point for artistic expression and community engagement in Essaouira.

It hosts a diverse array of events throughout the year, from art exhibitions to live music performances and interactive workshops. 

Dar Souiri’s mission is to uplift local artists. Ultimately, it is more about fostering community cultural initiatives than being a tourist-oriented museum. That being said, the changing exhibitions are open to all and you never know what you might discover. Plus, the building is beautiful in its own right and worth the visit alone!

Opening hours of Dar Souiri: 9 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm (closed Sundays)

Entrance fee for Dar Souiri: Free

About Me

I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.

Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.

I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.