Housed in a late 19th-century riad, the Marrakech Museum occupies the former residence of Mehdi Menebhi on Ben Youssef Square, in the heart of the medina. Open to the public since 1995, it brings together crafted objects, archaeological pieces and contemporary art within a carefully preserved Hispano-Moorish setting.

Why visit the Marrakech Museum

The museum stands out for the dual perspective it offers: that of a patrician Moroccan residence from the late 19th century, and that of a private collection dedicated to craftsmanship and art. The visit thus combines architecture and museum design across an area of more than 2,000 m² with approximately 700 m² of built space.

• A restored riad of Moorish architecture, featuring a patio, historic kitchens and hammam open to visitors.
• Varied collections: pottery, jewellery, traditional weapons, costumes, carpets, engravings, furniture in precious wood.
• A vibrant programme of contemporary art, film screenings, colloquia and study days.
• A central location in the Marrakech medina, a short walk from the Ben Youssef medersa.

The story of this place

The building is a riad constructed in the late 19th century by Mehdi Menebhi, a former Minister of Defence to the sultan. The residence follows the principles of Moorish architecture: organisation around a central patio, zelliges, sculpted plaster, painted ceilings.

Given to the State in 1956, following Maroc's independence, the riad briefly served as a girls' school before closing its doors for several years. The building gradually fell into disrepair.

The renaissance of this place owes much to philanthropist Omar Benjelloun, an art enthusiast who financed the restoration and founded the museum. The site reopened to the public in 1995 and has since presented his private collection alongside temporary exhibitions.

What you'll see here

Ground floor: craftsmanship and heritage

The tour opens with collections of archaeological and ethnographic objects, accompanied by historical documents. The display cases showcase pottery, Berber jewellery, traditional weapons, regional clothing and costumes, carpets and vintage engravings. The overall collection provides a coherent overview of Moroccan craftsmanship, particularly from Marrakech and Berber regions.

First floor: furniture

The floor is devoted to furniture in precious wood, crafted according to traditional techniques. Inlays, chests and sculpted pieces reveal the exacting standards of Moroccan cabinetmaking workshops.

The patio, kitchens and hammam

The historic kitchens, hammam and patio serve as exhibition spaces for contemporary art and host occasional performances. It is within these spaces that the dialogue between the historic residence and current creation is most visible.

Cultural programme

The museum regularly organises colloquia, study days and feature film screenings. Check the current programme before your visit if this interests you.

Practical information

• Location: Ben Youssef Square, Marrakech medina.
• Length of visit: allow approximately 1 to 1.5 hours for the tour, longer if you enjoy the café and bookshop.
• Opening hours: open all day, usually continuously. Verify up-to-date hours before your visit, particularly during Ramadan.
• Admission: modest entrance fee, payable on site. Reduced rates for children.
• On-site facilities: a café area offers mint tea and Moroccan pastries; a bookshop sells works on Maroc, art catalogues and some merchandise.
• Access: on foot only from the medina gates, as vehicles are prohibited in the surrounding alleyways.

Nearby

Ben Youssef Square concentrates several major monuments of the medina, allowing you to chain visits together over half a day:

• The Ben Youssef medersa, a restored former Quranic school, just a few metres away.
• The Koubba Almoravide, a rare example of Almoravid architecture in Marrakech, on the same square.
• The souk district, accessible on foot within minutes heading south.

To extend your exploration of the city's historic residences, the Palais de Bahia makes a logical next stop south of the medina.

Frequently asked questions

Include the museum in your trip

The Marrakech Museum fits easily into a day in the medina, between the Ben Youssef medersa and the souks. To plan a bespoke trip including Marrakech and other stops across the kingdom, explore our journeys in Maroc.