From the moment you step foot in this ancient Moroccan metropolis, it’s hard not to get swept up in the whirlwind of sensory delights that await around every corner. While Marrakech can be overwhelming, it also boasts an abundance of serene and captivating museums that offer a wealth of insights into the city and beyond.
To truly experience the depth and richness of Marrakech's cultural heritage, I’d highly recommend carving out some time in your itinerary to explore some of the city's world-class museums and galleries. Whether you’re interested in Amazigh culture, historic photography or Morocco's links to international fashion, there really is something for everyone.
In this article, I’ll introduce 9 of the best museums in Marrakech, from architectural gems to artistic gardens.
For more information about things to see and do in Morocco’s “Red City”, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech. If you're looking for accommodation inspiration, I've put together some of my top picks for riads in the Marrakech medina. Alternatively, you can find a list of highly-rated Marrakech cooking classes or the best day trips from Marrakech.
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Marrakech Museum
Housed within Dar Mnebhi Palace (constructed in the early 20th century), the Marrakech Museum showcases the diverse cultural heritage and artistic traditions of Morocco. The palace beautifully reflects Andalusian architectural traditions, with the centrepiece being a large central courtyard, which was originally an open riad filled with greenery.
Today, this courtyard has been fully paved and covered, creating a grand, airy atrium space surrounded by roofed galleries and wall fountains. The area is adorned with colourful zellije tilework and exquisitely carved cedar wood, making the palace a worthy destination in its own right (even if you aren't interested in the museum’s holdings).
Showcased within the Marrakech Museum is an impressive collection of historic objects, from traditional weapons and carpets to ornate Amazigh jewellery and Jewish liturgical pieces. Additionally, the museum hosts contemporary art exhibits and cultural events like theatre performances and concerts, further highlighting Morocco's artistic spirit.
Opening hours of Museum of Marrakech: 9 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm
Entrance fee for Museum of Marrakech: 50 dh
Dar Si Said Museum
Constructed between 1894 and 1900, Dar Si Said was originally built by Si Sa'id ibn Musa, a prominent minister who served as the Grand Vizier and de facto ruler of Morocco during the reign of Sultan Abdelaziz. After the French established their protectorate over Morocco in 1912, the palace transitioned to become the seat of regional leadership and was eventually transformed into a museum in the 1930s.
Following Moroccan independence in 1957, the palace was divided, with one section becoming the National Museum of Weaving and Carpets. Its exhibits are dedicated to showcasing the country's rich weaving traditions, with a gorgeous collection of Moroccan rugs and carpets on display. In addition to urban carpets from Rabat and Casablanca, it exhibits a diverse range of weavings from the Atlas Mountains and beyond.
Top tip: Many visitors say Dar Si Said is just as beautiful as the Bahia Palace (and with a similar architecture), so it’s a good alternative if you’re travelling on a budget as the entrance fee to Dar Si Said is significantly less. You can learn more about the Bahia Palace in this article dedicated to 1o of the Most Beautiful Buildings in Morocco.
Opening hours of Dar Si Said: 10 am to 6 pm (closed Tuesdays)
Entrance fee for Dar Si Said: 30 dh
Best museums in Marrakech
Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech
Created by the visionary duo of Hamid Mergani and Patrick Manac’h in 2009, this photography-focused museum showcases the extraordinary diversity of Morocco as captured through the lenses. It features the works of both renowned and anonymous photographers from the dawn of the medium in 1879 up through the modern era of 1960.
The Maison de la Photographie’s extensive collection encompasses an array of photographic materials, including glass plates, postcards, newspapers and documentary films. By preserving and curating these invaluable visual records, the museum has become not only an archive of Morocco's photographic heritage but also a repository of the country's evolving ideas and narratives over the decades.
To share this treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration, the institution organises a diverse range of thematic exhibitions, both within the walls of its medina-based location and through travelling showcases at partner cultural institutions. As someone who loves photography, this is one of my favourite museums in Marrakech.
Official website: www.maisondelaphotographie.ma
Opening hours of Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech: 9:30 am to 7 pm
Entrance fee for Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech: 50 dh
Dar El Bacha
Constructed in 1910, this ornate residence was once the private domain of Thami El Glaoui, a powerful pasha who held significant political sway in southern Morocco during the French colonial era. Designed to impress and entertain, the lavish palace features exquisite architectural details that blend Moorish, Amazigh and European influences, and once hosted names like Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill.
Today, this historic site has been transformed into the Museum of Confluences, which showcases a vast array of artworks, artefacts and objects that reflect the country’s rich heritage. Within the permanent collection, you'll find traditional handicrafts, religious items and ancient manuscripts while temporary exhibits at Dar El Bacha highlight different facets of Moroccan culture.
Beyond the museum's exhibits, Dar el Bacha also features a charming café, Bacha Coffee, which is housed in a beautifully preserved period salon. It specialises in serving premium Arabica beans and is a must-visit for coffee addicts (like me!)
Opening hours of Dar El Bacha: 9 am to 6 pm (closed Mondays)
Entrance fee for Dar El Bacha: 70 dh
Best museums in Marrakech
Tiskiwin Museum
Housed in a traditional riad that once belonged to Bert Flint, this unique museum showcases an extraordinary collection amassed over the course of more than six decades by the renowned Dutch anthropologist. Flint's lifelong passion for exploring North African cultures led him on countless journeys across the region, spanning the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert and the Sahel regions.
From Tuareg camel saddles to High Atlas carpets, each room of the Tiskiwin Museum represents a different "caravan stop" along the historic trade routes that connected Timbuktu to Marrakech. Stepping into this eclectic museum is like embarking on a North African odyssey and its collection highlights Morocco’s role as a crossroads of commerce and cultural exchange.
While Flint meticulously documented an astounding array of indigenous arts and crafts, some visitors find the lack of English explanations to be a drawback. But if you’re happy to simply appreciate the objects on display, without necessarily having a lot of information behind the exhibits, then this Marrakech museum is sure to captivate.
Official website: www.tiskiwin.wdro.net
Opening hours of the Tiskiwin Museum: 9 am to 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 6 pm
Entrance fee for the Tiskiwin Museum: 20 dh
Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Established in 2017, this cultural institution stands as a tribute to the legendary French fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent, and is located on a street that bears his name. The decision to build this museum in Marrakech was a natural one, as Saint Laurent drew immense inspiration from the vibrant colours, rich textiles and captivating culture of the city.
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum was designed by the architectural firm Studio KO, blending traditional Moroccan elements with a modern, sculptural aesthetic. The earth-toned, cube-like structure is adorned with a lace-like pattern of bricks, evoking the woven fabrics that Saint Laurent so masterfully incorporated into his fashion.
Housed within the museum is an extensive collection showcasing Saint Laurent's illustrious career, including thousands of garments, accessories, sketches and multimedia displays that offer a comprehensive look into his creative process and contributions to the world of haute couture. Beyond the main galleries, the museum also houses temporary exhibition spaces, a research library with rare Andalusian texts and volumes on Amazigh art.
Official website: www.museeyslmarrakech.com/en
Opening hours of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum: 10 am to 6:30 pm (closed Wednesdays)
Entrance fee for the Yves Saint Laurent Museum: 140 dh
Best museums in Marrakech
Musée Berbère Jardin Majorelle
Occupying the former studio of artist Jacques Majorelle, this museum offers a captivating glimpse into the unique cultures of the Amazigh people of North Africa. The collection, curated by Pierre Bergé, boasts over 600 objects, each of which tells the story of a resilient and adaptive civilisation that has endured for millennia, their traditions and artistry still thriving today.
The museum is thoughtfully organised into distinct spaces, each dedicated to a particular aspect of Amazigh culture. In addition to everyday objects and ceremonial artefacts, you’ll find an impressive collection of Amazigh costumes, textiles and jewellery. The ornaments, in particular, are a true highlight, symbolising the tribal identity and social standing of their wearer.
Before entering the exhibition rooms, visitors are treated to a comprehensive overview of Morocco’s Indigenous history and the geographical distribution of the major tribes across the country. Innovative audiovisual elements further enhance the visitor's appreciation, presenting the Amazigh way of life in vivid detail.
Official website: www.jardinmajorelle.com/en/the-musee-pierre-berge-des-arts-berberes
Opening hours of the Musée Berbère Jardin Majorelle: 8 am to 6 pm
Entrance fee for the Musée Berbère Jardin Majorelle: 230 dh (includes entrance to Jardin Majorelle)
Moroccan Museum of Culinary Art
Occupying an 18th century palace, this expansive museum is dedicated to all things associated with Moroccan gastronomy. It boasts two magnificent interior courtyards adorned with zellige tiles and elegantly sculpted columns, creating an atmosphere of refined opulence. At the centre of the first courtyard stands a grand Carrara marble fountain framed by olive trees and two sumptuously appointed salons.
Today, the palace houses the Moroccan Museum of Culinary Art, offering visitors an immersive exploration of the country's rich gastronomic heritage. On the second floor, you’ll find 34 interactive cooking stations where hands-on classes are held for those wanting to learn all about blending aromatic spices, mastering oven-baked techniques and unlocking the flavours of iconic Moroccan dishes.
Beyond the exhibits and cooking classes, the Moroccan Museum of Culinary Art also features a rooftop restaurant with stunning views across the medina and a charming tea salon where you can enjoy a traditional mint brew after your visit.
Official website: www.moroccancam.com
Opening hours of the Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum: 9 am to 8 pm
Entrance fee for the Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum: 60 dh
Best museums in Marrakech
Musee du Parfum
Nestled within the historic charm of a 19th-century riad, this small but captivating museum is entirely dedicated to the art and history of perfume. As you step through its doors, you are swept into a world that celebrates the olfactory wonders of the kingdom, with a focus on the craft of perfumery, the ancient practices of aromatherapy and the holistic realm of well-being.
Through interactive exhibits and displays, the Musee du Parfum enables you to embark on a sensorial journey, discovering the wealth of scents that have long been woven into Moroccan culture. From the distillation of floral waters to the extraction of precious essential oils, it unveils the ancestral know-how that has been passed down through generations of perfumers.
Rare, antique objects used in the creation of perfumes are showcased, together with exhibits about the medicinal and aromatic plants utilised in the revered ritual of the hammam. Beyond its exhibitions, the museum also offers a range of engaging activities and workshops, inviting guests to fully immerse themselves in this captivating olfactory universe. Not only can you purchase fragrances and carriers at reasonable prices but even create your own perfume to take home.
Official website: http://www.benchaabane.com/lemuseeduparfum
Opening hours of the Musee du Parfum: 9 am to 5:30 pm
Entrance fee for the Musee du Parfum: 40 dh
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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.