This remote desert oasis has long enchanted and inspired all who visit, drawing them in with its timeless allure. Centuries-old kasbahs and ksours (mud-brick fortified villages) dot Ouarzazate and its surroundings, standing as silent sentinels to a cultural heritage that stretches back generations. The area's cinematic appeal is equally captivating, as Ouarzazate’s stunning desert backdrops have provided the setting for countless films, from classic Hollywood productions to modern blockbusters.
There’s no better way to “discover” Ouarzazate than by visiting some of its intriguing museums, focused on everything from culture to cinema and Amazigh traditions.
In this list of the best museums in Ouarzazate, I’ve included places within the city itself and the immediate surroundings, as well as a little further afield but reachable as a day trip.
To learn more about visiting this desert city, including things to do and the best places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Ouarzazate.
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Kasbah Taourirt
This beautifully restored kasbah used to be the residence of the influential Glaoui family, who dominated trade in the Drâa and Dades valleys throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. However, its roots go back even further to the 17th century when the Imzwarn family first built the kasbah. In the 1980s, people started working to save this unique piece of Morocco's cultural heritage and, thanks to UNESCO, some sections of have been beautifully restored.
Strolling through the kasbah (which is still inhabited by several local families), you can almost picture what life was like here ages ago. Largely constructed from rammed earth, the complex is notable for its projecting balconies, entrance courtyard and tataoui ceilings made from woven reed.
During your visit, you can discover the story of Thami El Glaoui, the old Pasha of Marrakech, who roamed these halls back in the French colonial days, and uncover the cultural history of the region’s Amazigh communities. Not to miss is the former qa’id’s residence with its decorative stucco work and wall paintings that are reminiscent of the architecture of Morocco’s imperial cities.
Opening hours of Kasbah Taourirt: 8 am to 5 pm
Entrance fee for Kasbah Taourirt: 20 dh
If you're interested in learning more about Morocco's earthen architecture, check out my article Exploring the Route of 1,000 Kasbahs.
Best museums in Ouarzazate
Cinema Museum
Occupying a former studio, this small museum celebrates the rich history and artistry of filmmaking in Ouarzazate. It is located opposite the Taourirt Kasbah (a 17th-century fortified residence) and is a good option if you aren’t able to get to the Atlas Film Corporation Studios on the outskirts of town.
The museum's exhibition halls guide visitors on a chronological journey through the evolution of cinema, from the silent era to the present day. Adorning the spaces is an impressive collection of costumes, props and cinematic equipment, most of which were recovered from the legendary film productions that have taken place in Ouarzazate's Atlas Studios.
The only downside to the Cinema Museum is the lack of information about the props on display, meaning it’s best to grab a guide if you want a more immersive experience. Alternatively, you can let your imagination run wild and have a lot of fun taking photographs or create your own miniature films in front of the vintage sets.
Opening hours of the Cinema Museum: 10 am to 5 pm (closed Sundays)
Entrance fee for the Cinema Museum: 30 dh
Best museums in Ouarzazate
Atlas Film Corporation Studios
If you’re a film buff, it’s worth making the journey out to the Atlas Film Corporation Studios, which lie in the middle of the desert around five kilometres from Ouarzazate. Founded by Mohammed Belghimi in 1983, the studios have helped bring to life some of cinema’s most iconic films, including “Gladiator”, “Jewel of the Nile” and “Kundun”.
On a guided tour of the Atlas Studios (they depart every 20 to 40 minutes), you’ll get to explore behind the scenes and see some of the sets and soundstages used in these famous flicks. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of a major film studio and an up-close view of some of the elaborate set designs that help transport audiences to different times and places.
If you’re lucky, you may even stumble upon an active shoot in progress, with the opportunity to watch real actors busy at work. After exploring the backstage areas and hearing captivating anecdotes from the guides, you can browse the onsite souvenir shop to find the perfect memento to commemorate your visit.
Top tip: A half-hour walk from the studios leads to the full-scale fortress town that served as the backdrop for "Kingdom of Heaven" - a testament to the studio's commitment to authenticity and attention to detail.
Opening hours of the Atlas Film Corporation Studios: 8:30 am to sunset
Entrance fee for the Atlas Film Corporation Studios: 80 dh
Best museums in Ouarzazate
Musée Memoire de Ouarzazate
Nestled amidst the Skoura palmeraie lies this kasbah-turned-museum, which offers a unique glimpse into the cultural heritage of the region's indigenous Amazigh people. This curated exhibition space is helmed by the anthropologist Abdelmoula El Moudahab, whose encyclopaedic knowledge and passionate storytelling bring the artefacts and traditions on display to life.
Highlights of the collection include a marriage document written in saffron and an assortment of ingeniously crafted door locks. Keep an eye out for the detailed architectural drawings that reveal the techniques and methods used in the construction of a traditional kasbah - the fortified, mud-brick citadels that have long dotted the Moroccan landscape.
Beyond its role as a museum, this kasbah also doubles as a performance space, regularly hosting cultural events that showcase the living traditions of the Amazigh people. The Musée Memoire can easily be visited while driving from Ouarzazate to the Dades and Todra gorges, although I’d highly recommend spending a night in one of Skoura’s beautiful kasbah hotels.
Opening hours of the Musée Memoire de Ouarzazate: 9 am to 5 pm
Entrance fee for the Musée Memoire de Ouarzazate: Donation
Best museums in Ouarzazate
Museum of Arts and Traditions of the Draa Valley
On the outskirts of Zagora, Ksar Tissergate is a 16th-century fortified village that continues to be home to local families today. It also hosts the Museum of Arts and Traditions of the Drâa Valley, which is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the region. The ochre-coloured walls and buildings of Ksar Tissergate create a striking visual contrast against the surrounding palmeraie.
From the displays of Amazigh and Tuareg jewellery to the tools and implements used in daily agriculture, each object exhibited provides a window into life amidst this desert landscape. The traditional dress of the region is especially fascinating, with the men's distinctive gandoura robes and feroual headdresses contrasting beautifully with the graceful izar and malhfa gowns worn by the women.
In my opinion, a guided tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the depth and significance of the museum's collection. It will also help you to navigate the ksar’s labyrinth of narrow streets, earthen houses and shared granaries, designed in a layout that reflects the community-oriented nature of life here.
Opening hours of the Museum of Arts and Traditions of the Drâa Valley: 8:30 am to 7 pm
Entrance fee for the Museum of Arts and Traditions of the Drâa Valley: 25 dh
To learn more about visiting the Draa Valley, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Zagora.
Best museums in Ouarzazate
Kasbah des Caids
Part museum, part hotel - this ancient kasbah in the village of Tamnougalt is unique in the fact that you can visit it by day, then stay overnight. Dating from the 16th century, it served as an administrative hub and residential quarters for the leaders of the Mezguita tribe before being used as a film set for the “Prince of Persia”, “The Mummy” and “Babel".
One of the best ways to experience this architectural marvel is to join a guided tour led by a direct descendant of the original qaid, or chief, Hassan, who can provide unparalleled insight into the kasbah’s storied past. As you wander through the winding corridors, you'll visit the qaid’s former office, the hammam (traditional bathhouse) and the residential area that once housed over 300 families.
If you opt to stay overnight, you’ll not only get to experience the warm hospitality of Hassan and his family but they also run everything from cooking classes to nightly drumming. Tamnougalt lies roughly halfway between Zagora and Ouarzazate, making it an ideal overnight stop if you’re exploring Morocco's Route of 1,000 Kasbahs.
Opening hours of the Kasbah des Caids: 10 am to 6 pm
Entrance fee for the Kasbah des Caids: Donation/tip for the guide
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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.