Encircled by 18th-century ramparts that stand as a testament to its storied past, Essaouira's picturesque medina is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and bustling 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 its abundance of galleries. With this mind, I’ve put together a list of some of the Best Art Galleries in Essaouira to help you plan your own art trail.
In this article, I’ll introduce 4 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 Morocco’s biggest city, check out my Ultimate 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.
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Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum
Named after the founder of Essaouira, this history museum is housed within a 19th-century pasha's residence, lending an air of elegance and grandeur to the experience. The collection is diverse and includes everything from musical instruments to pottery, textiles and jewellery.
Not to miss are the artefacts belonging to the Gnaoua ethnic group, whose unique cultural imprint is deeply woven into the fabric of Essaouira. Each object tells a story, offering glimpses into the daily lives, beliefs and artistic expressions of the people who have called this coastal enclave home.
From ancient coins that provide insight into past trade networks to ornate carpets that showcase the mastery of local weavers, the Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum is a good starting point for understanding the cultural heritage of Essaouira. It’s worth keeping in mind that signage is in French and Arabic only, leaving some English-speaking visitors left feeling a bit 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
Best museums in Essaouira
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, 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, and seamlessly blends the timeless beauty of the riad's architecture with the boundless imagination of the artworks on display. 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
Best museums in Essaouira
Bayt Dakira
In Essaouira’s historic Jewish quarter is Bayt Dakira, or the "House of Memory,” which 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 that has long defined Essaouira's cultural fabric, beginning with a harmonious greeting "Shalom Aleykoum, Salam Lekoulam" that blends Arabic and Hebrew.
Within its halls, Bayt Dakira displays an array of rare and precious 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 stands as a testament to the enduring presence of Judaism in the region.
Adjacent, the Haim and Célia Zafrani Research Center delves into the complex and often overlooked history of the relationship between Judaism and Islam, offering visitors a multifaceted understanding of this unique cultural exchange.
Opening hours of Bayt Dakira: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm (closed Saturdays)
Entrance fee for Bayt Dakira: Free
Best museums in Essaouira
Centre d’Art Le Real Mogador
Originally serving as an Italian consulate, this authentic Moroccan riad has been meticulously restored and 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, a 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 that showcases the works of four exceptional artists, three of whom are self-taught masters of the Outsider art movement specific to the Essaouira region. The second floor, meanwhile, is a private residence and artist's retreat where Real has cultivated an imaginative universe filled with his own personal art collection.
A visit to the Centre d’Art Le Real Mogador is one-of-a-kind experience, with François always on hand to explain artists’ approaches to their individual practices.
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
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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.