Essaouira has long been revered as a haven for artists, drawing creative spirits from far and wide with its enchanting light and laid-back atmosphere. In recent decades, this seaside Moroccan city has solidified its reputation as an artistic mecca, thanks in large part to its abundance of galleries and workshops where you can see masters at work. If there’s one place in Morocco to shop for original art, then Essaouira is it!
Among the most prominent artistic styles found in Essaouira are the Naïve style, characterised by its simplistic yet evocative depictions of daily life, and the elegant art of calligraphy, which pays homage to the region's Islamic cultural heritage. I simply love wandering around the whitewashed medina and being inspired by the original paintings and handicrafts that can be found around every corner.
In this article, I’ll highlight 10 of the best art galleries in Essaouira, almost all of which are free to visit. In some, you’ll get to meet the artists themselves while others are run by highly knowledgeable curators who are a wealth of information about the city’s arts scene.
For more info about things to see and do in Morocco's "Windy City", check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Essaouira or my pick of the Best Museums in Essaouira. If you're looking for accommodation recommendations, I've put together some of my top picks for every budget, from backpacker-friendly hostels to luxury riads. Additionally, you can find a list of the best tours in Essaouira and incredible food experiences in the city.
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Galerie de la Kasbah
This charming gallery, located in a beautifully restored 18th-century riad, features a mix of artists from Morocco and beyond. Spanning 400 square metres, it provides plenty of room to showcase a variety of artistic styles, including Surrealism, Realism, Impressionism and Abstract art.
Set across four floors, the Galerie de la Kasbah represents around 100 different artists, merging the classic elegance of the riad's architecture with the creativity of the displayed works. To top it off, visitors can enjoy stunning views across Essaouira's whitewashed buildings from the gallery’s panoramic terrace.
Opening hours of Galerie de la Kasbah: 9 am to 9 pm
Galerie l'Arbre Bleu
Translating as the “Blue Tree Gallery”, this enchanting tea room and boutique serves as a stage for the vibrant creations of Monique Favière. This local painter is particularly passionate about the Souiri artistic tradition, which shines through in her mesmerising collages, paintings and photographic works.
But Galerie l'Arbre Bleu is more than just an art gallery - it is a curated showcase of the region's cultural heritage, offering visitors a diverse selection of low-cost, locally-crafted treasures, ranging from tablecloths to bracelets and fabric bags. Simply sipping on tea within the vaulted corridors of this old riad is a pleasurable experience.
Opening hours of Galerie l'Arbre Bleu: 10 am to 6 pm (closed Mondays)
Best art galleries in Essaouira
Caravane
This unique establishment effortlessly blends a cafe and restaurant with an art gallery, all amidst an atmosphere that is both eclectic and whimsical. Caravane is housed within a traditional Moroccan riad, which owner and artist Didier Spindler has transformed into a living, breathing work of art, using the historic architecture as his canvas.
Within its individually decorated rooms, you can dine on Moroccan specialties like tagines and couscous, all while appreciating the original art hanging on the surrounding walls. Caravane also hosts a vibrant events calendar, which regularly features performances by talented local and visiting musicians, artists and creatives.
Opening hours of Caravane: 11 am to 11 pm Tuesday to Sunday
Centre d’Art Le Real Mogador
This former Italian consulate has been beautifully restored by its dedicated owner, François Real, into a Moroccan riad filled with art. The three-story building maintains its original neutral tones, which beautifully contrast with the vibrant colours and textures that Real has added throughout the space.
The ground and first floors serve as a gallery that highlights the works of four talented artists, including three self-taught masters from the Outsider art movement. The second floor is a private residence and creative retreat for Real, showcasing his impressive personal collection of over 150 art pieces.
Visiting the Centre d’Art Le Real Mogador offers a unique experience, with François available to share insights into the artists' creative processes.
Opening hours of Centre d’Art Le Real Mogador: 3 pm to 7:30 pm
Best art galleries in Essaouira
Galerie d'Art Damgaard
Frederic Damgaard is a passionate Danish collector, who played a pivotal role in bringing the Naïve art of Essaouira to the global stage. His Galerie d'Art Damgaard, situated across from Essaouira’s clock tower, showcases local painters and sculptors who have not received formal art training. Ultimately, the gallery is a testament to Damgaard's keen eye for the raw, unfiltered expression that defines the art movement.
Many of the works are grand in scale, showcasing the artists' bold, uninhibited brushstrokes and their ability to transform the canvas into a window to their unique perspectives. However, Damgaard also offers a selection of unframed pieces that can be easily rolled up and transported in cardboard tubes, making it convenient for travellers to bring a piece of Essaouira's artistic heritage back home.
Opening hours of Galerie d'Art Damgaard: 9 am to 7 pm
Jardin Michael Vu
Just a few kilometres outside Essaouira lies this enchanting garden, dotted with whimsical sculptures and works of art. It’s the only Essaouira art gallery on our list that has an entrance fee, but, in my opinion, it is definitely worth it! If you're lucky enough, you may even be greeted by the gardens' passionate mastermind, Mr. Michel Vu.
Born in Paris in 1941, Michel Vu is the son of the renowned painter Vu Cao Dam. After studying art at the Ecole des Arts Décoratifs in Nice, Vu embarked on an artistic journey that would eventually lead him to settle in the small village of Ghazoua. The gardens that Vu has cultivated are unlike anything else - a wild and wondrous landscape that seems to have sprung straight from the pages of a storybook.
Opening hours of Jardin Michael Vu: 10 am to 6 pm (closed Sundays)
Entrance fee for Jardin Michael Vu: 40 dh
Best art galleries in Essaouira
Galerie Jama
Hailing from Marrakech, Mustapha El Boussaidi's journey into the world of tribal carpet trade began at a young age and he established this renowned gallery in Essaouira during the summer of 1987. Each floor offers visitors a curated selection of exquisite art objects, showcasing fine examples of Moroccan craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
Amazigh rugs from the Atlas Mountains are displayed alongside traditional costumes and pottery, as well as magnificent wooden doors that once graced riads. It’s an absolute treasure trove for anyone interested in antiques and vintage homewares, with El Boussaidi often on hand to share his deep passion and expertise in Moroccan artistry with all who step through Galerie Jama’s doors.
Opening hours of Galerie Jama: 10 am to 7 pm (closed Sundays)
Galerie La Grotte
Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the art world, Galerie La Grotte is the kind of place that immediately makes you feel at home, thanks to the welcome offered by the gracious proprietor, Abdellah. He exudes a genuine passion for the arts and takes great pride in introducing visitors to the works that are on display, guiding you through the collection and offering insights that deepen your appreciation.
Comprising just three small rooms, Galerie La Grotte showcases the work of local artists, with everything from Naïve paintings to wooden sculptures and stone creations on display. The prices are reasonable and there’s never any pressure to buy - you can leave and come back multiple times until you’re 100% sure that you’ve found the perfect piece.
Opening hours of Galerie La Grotte: 9 am to 10 pm
Best art galleries in Essaouira
Touarass Art
Located on Rue Scala is this small gallery run by Hicham Touarass, a talented, self-taught Moroccan artist who was born in Essaouira. Coming from a family lineage of skilled artisans who specialise thuja marquetry, Touarass was surrounded by art and creativity from a very young age. His passion for the arts blossomed during his childhood, as he developed a deep fascination with the vibrantly patterned carpets that were woven by hand in his family's workshop.
Today, Touarass predominantly works with oil and acrylic paints but is still inspired by the colours and geometric designs of Amazigh rugs. In addition to his prowess in styles like Naïve, Abstract and Pointillism, Touarass also displays a remarkable talent for calligraphy, seamlessly incorporating elegant Arabic script into many of his visually striking compositions.
Opening hours of Touarass Art: 12 pm to 8 pm
Le Coin des Artistes
Just a short stroll from Place Moulay Hassan is this open-air gallery and shop filled with a captivating collection of paintings and wall hangings, many of which reflect Essaouira’s unique Naïve style. The artwork on display runs the gamut, from sweeping coastal landscapes dotted with traditional fishing boats to playful scenes of everyday Essaouira life - colourful marketplaces, lively cafes and the always-present seagulls that soar overhead.
If you're lucky, you may even have the chance to meet one of the artists in person, as they often spend time in the gallery, sharing the inspirations and techniques behind their creations. What's more, the prices here are very reasonable, with each work clearly marked with a sticker on the back displaying the final cost - great for those who aren’t confident haggling!
Opening hours of Le Coin des Artistes: 9 am to 8 pm
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About the author
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 majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.