As the country’s largest city, it makes sense that Casablanca might be home to some of Morocco’s best museums. In fact, this pulsing metropolis boasts a wealth of cultural institutions, some linked to monumental landmarks and others tucked away in historic buildings. Whether you’re interested in architectural craftsmanship, contemporary art or Jewish life in the city, there’s a Casablanca cultural institution that will appeal to you.
In this article, I’ll introduce 7 of the best museums in Casablanca to add to your itinerary, with options for both young and old.
For more information about things to see and do in Morocco’s biggest city, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Casablanca. If you're looking for accommodation inspiration, I've put together some of my top picks for Casablanca hotels, or you can browse all the best day trips from Casablanca.
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Abderrahman Slaoui Museum
Named after the late Moroccan businessman and art collector Abderrahman Slaoui, this cultural museum was founded in 2012 by the Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation. The museum's extensive collection is a testament to Slaoui's lifelong passion for preserving Morocco's artistic traditions, with everything from figurative paintings to ornate gold jewellery on display.
While exploring the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum, visitors will discover a diverse array of artefacts, including paintings by the renowned Moroccan artist Muhammad Ben Ali Rabati and Orientalist posters that once adorned travel agencies. The latter were commissioned from some of the most celebrated painters of the time (including Jacques Majorelle) and offer a window into Morocco's allure as an "exotic" destination in the eyes of the West.
Beyond the permanent collection, the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase the work of contemporary Moroccan artists, as well as artistic workshops that allow visitors to learn traditional crafts and techniques. As a repository of Morocco's artistic legacy, the museum plays a vital role in preserving and celebrating the country's rich cultural heritage for generations to come.
Opening hours of the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum: 10 am to 6 pm (closed Sundays and Mondays)
Entrance fee for the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum: 60 dh
Museum of Moroccan Judaism
Established in 1997, this is the only museum dedicated to Judaism in the Arab world, making it a one-of-a-kind cultural institution. The museum's origins trace back to 1948 when the building first served as a Jewish orphanage that provided shelter and care for up to 160 young individuals. Today, it has been transformed into a carefully curated space that immerses visitors in the traditions, artefacts and stories that have defined the Moroccan Jewish experience over the centuries.
Occupying three exhibition halls, the displays include an array of paintings, photographs and sculptures that vividly capture the essence of Jewish life in Morocco. From ritual objects and historic documents to traditional costumes and jewellery, each offers a glimpse into the cultural tapestry that has long characterised this unique community.
One of the museum's most remarkable features is the bimah from the Beni-Issakhar Synagogue, which stands as a testament to the architectural and artistic prowess of Moroccan Jewish craftsmen. In addition to Torah scrolls, mezuzahs and Hanukkah menorahs, the Museum of Moroccan Judaism features traditional costumes and a reconstructed jewellery-making workshop from the Jewish Amazigh community.
To learn more about the country's history of Judaism, check out my article Discovering Morocco's Jewish Cultural Heritage.
Opening hours of the Museum of Moroccan Judaism: 10 am to 3 pm Monday to Thursday and 10 am to 12 pm Fridays (closed Saturdays and Sundays)
Entrance fee for the Museum of Moroccan Judaism: 20 dh (free on Wednesdays)
Best museums in Casablanca
Villa des Arts de Casablanca
Located in a 1930s Art Deco villa, the Villa des Arts de Casablanca is a cultural gem operated by the nonprofit Fondation ONA. This small but impactful gallery stages rotating exhibitions showcasing the work of contemporary Moroccan artists, playing a vital role in promoting art and creativity to local schoolchildren and university students.
Boasting an equally striking sister location in Rabat, this Casablanca museum's permanent collection of cutting-edge contemporary art hails primarily from the Cherifian kingdom. It features works by some of Morocco's most renowned modern artists, including the bold, abstract canvases of Ahmed Cherkaoui, the expressionistic paintings of Jilali Gharbaoui and the politically charged pieces of Mohamed Serghini, Farid Belkahia and Mohamed Chebaa.
Beyond these core holdings, the Villa des Arts also regularly mounts temporary exhibitions highlighting both established and up-and-coming Moroccan creatives, their diverse practices spanning painting, sculpture, photography and multimedia. Complete with an auditorium, a research library and an on-site cafe, the museum is a dynamic cultural hub, hosting a calendar of events ranging from artist talks to live music performances and hands-on art workshops.
Official website: www.villadesarts.ma
Opening hours of the Villa des Arts de Casablanca: 9 am to 7 pm (closed Mondays)
Entrance fee for the Villa des Arts de Casablanca: Free
Dar ul-Aala
Established in 2010 by the Society of Amateurs of Andalusi Music, Dar ul-Aala is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the centuries-old musical heritage of the Moorish-Andalusian tradition. Housed within a beautifully restored building in Casablanca's Habbous district, the museum boasts an impressive collection of rare and antique musical instruments, manuscripts and recordings that showcase this evocative and atmospheric style of music.
As you wander through the museum's halls, you’ll discover the haunting melodies and rhythms that characterise the music of Moorish Spain, when the Iberian Peninsula was a cultural crossroads blending Arab, Amazigh and European influences. Beyond the artefacts on display, Dar ul-Aala also serves as a hub for the preservation of this musical legacy, hosting regular concerts, workshops and scholarly discussions that engage both artists and enthusiasts alike.
Top tip: On Thursday evenings, Dar ul-Aala hosts concerts accompanied by traditional mint tea.
Opening hours of Dar ul-Aala: 9 am to 6 pm or 10 pm on Thursdays (closed Saturdays and Sundays)
Entrance fee for Dar ul-Aala: Free
Best museums in Casablanca
Hassan II Mosque Museum
Operating alongside the mosque itself, this fascinating museum offers a glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship that went into the construction of the Hassan II Mosque. It serves as a complementary space that showcases traditional Moroccan art forms and architectural elements, with clear explanations and examples of each.
In addition to displays highlighting the mosque’s exquisite carved stucco and ornately painted wooden ceilings, there are exhibits of the zellije (Moroccan mosaic) tile walls that adorn the building. These unused design elements, which would have otherwise gone unseen by the public, are now given a dedicated platform to be appreciated in their own right.
The museum also delves deeper into the specialised techniques and materials used to create these architectural features and how they have been perfected by Moroccan artisans over the centuries. For anyone with an interest in the cultural heritage and artistic traditions of Morocco, a visit to the Hassan II Mosque Museum provides a wonderful overview and can easily be combined with a guided tour of the mosque itself.
Opening hours of the Hassan II Mosque Museum: 9 am to 6 pm
Entrance fee for the Hassan II Mosque Museum: 30 dh
Petit Musée Abdelwahab Doukkali
Located in the iconic Liberty building (in the heart of Benjdia) is this small, unassuming museum, which offers visitors an insight into the artistic legacy of the Moroccan singer Abdelwaheb Doukkali. As you ascend to the top floor, the museum's modest exterior gives way to a serene and contemplative space, where the walls are adorned with Doukkali's paintings and his melodious tunes fill the air.
While somewhat of a hidden gem, the Petit Musée Abdelwahab Doukkali is a must-visit destination, not only for its celebration of Doukkali's multifaceted talents but also for the panoramic views it affords of the sprawling cityscape below. The Liberty was one of the tallest skyscrapers in Africa when it was completed in 1951, based on the designs of Léonard Morandi.
As you wander through the rooms, a palpable sense of history envelops you, for this building has housed numerous personalities over the years, including the activist Jacques Lemaigre Dubreuil and the Algerian writer Jean-Pierre Millecam. If only these walls could talk, they would undoubtedly reveal tales of the brilliant minds and creative spirits that have graced the space and left an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of Casablanca and beyond.
Opening hours of the Petit Musée Abdelwahab Doukkali: 10 am to 7 pm (closed Mondays)
Entrance fee for the Petit Musée Abdelwahab Doukkali: Free
Best museums in Casablanca
Amuzeum - Parc de Jeux
If you’re visiting Casablanca with kids, then this beloved children’s museum shouldn’t be overlooked, serving as an educational play park where they can let off steam. Spanning nearly 2,000 square metres across three levels, it invites youngsters ranging from 18 months to 12 years old to embark on an enriching journey through time, concepts and realms of knowledge - all while having tremendous fun in the process.
The Amuzeum embraces the fundamental belief that children should be empowered to learn by doing, to explore and satisfy their innate curiosity through hands-on discovery. Within the Amuzeum’s stimulating walls, kids are encouraged to touch, test and try things for themselves, to bounce between different subjects and to dig deeper into areas of fascination.
As one of Casablanca’s top family-friendly attractions, the Amuzeum has been thoughtfully imagined and carefully created to appeal to kids and parents alike. And to top it all off, there is even a lovely cafe on site, ensuring that a meal or refreshment is never far away.
Opening hours of Amuzeum: 10 am to 6 pm (closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Entrance fee for Amuzeum: 120 dh on weekdays and 180 dh on weekends (includes one child and one accompanying adult)
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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.