If you’re a certified culture vulture looking for the best museums in Marrakech then this post is for you.
Not only do I live in Morocco, but my boyfriend is Moroccan and he went to college there.
So, between the two of us, we know all about the Marrakech museums that you need to see right now.
Yes, there are a fair number of Berber museums in Marrakech, but there are also some cool art museums too.
There is even the Marrakech Museum with its stunning central courtyard and incredible chandelier.
So, use this guide to the coolest museums in Marrakech to figure out which museums to visit which ones to skip.
Because most of the time, the museums you like really just depend on personal preference.
But, I know you’ll find some more unusual museums in Marrakech on this list that you’ll definitely want to add to your itinerary.
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Table of Contents
1. Dar El Bacha Museum
Constructed for Pacha Thami El Glaoui, who governed Marrakech from 1912 until 1956, this palace stands as a magnificent example of riad architecture within the medina.
Designed using vibrant zellige (geometric tilework), elaborate white plasterwork, and stout carved cedar-wood lintels, it was opened to the public in 2015.
The museum showcases a variety of well-curated exhibitions on art in the salons surrounding the main courtyard.
These displays tend to rotate every six months, but the permanent collection does include an intriguing 12th-century Mediterranean map by the Muslim cartographer and explorer Al Driss, and a meticulously maintained hammam.
Venture further into the hammam to discover the ancient subterranean brick chimneys that heated the baths, which are now visible through a glass floor.
Local Tip: Do not leave without grabbing a coffee at Bacha Coffee. The coffee is served with fresh whipped cream and vanilla and is utterly amazing – as are the croissants and decor.
Just make a reservation for a table first and then explore the museum while you wait.
2. Marrakech Museum
The Marrakech Museum showcases a diverse array of Moroccan art within the luxurious halls of the Mnebhi Palace.
Its central courtyard steals the show with a stunning blend of cedar archways, stained-glass windows, elaborately painted doors, and an abundance of zellige (vibrant geometric tilework).
Not to be overlooked are the exquisite ceramics from Fes that are displayed in the principal room adjacent to the courtyard and the palace’s traditional hammam.
Despite being one of Marrakech’s older museums and showing signs of its age, the palace’s rich history is palpable.
It was once the residence of Mehdi Mnebhi, who was the defense minister of Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz between 1894 and 1908.
During Mnebhi’s absence in England, the palace was seized by Pasha Glaoui. Eventually, in 1997, the building was renovated and transformed into the museum that you see today.
After your visit, stop by the on-site cafe and relax in the courtyard. If you want to skip one museum in Marrakech, this would be it.
I personally think it’s a Marrakech tourist trap considering the price recently went up.
3. Maison de la Photographie (Photography Museum)
The captivating Marrakech museum was created by Parisians Patrick Menac’h and Hamid Mergani.
They shared a love for collecting antique Moroccan photographs and decided to transform a traditional riad into a sanctuary for their extensive collection of items from 1870 to 1950.
Today, you can see this collection at Maison de la Photographie, which includes 4,500 photographs, 2,000 glass negatives, and 80 vital documents.
This carefully curated exhibition, spread across three floors, is categorized by both region and theme, offering visitors a rare chance to see amazing photos and take limited edition prints, made from the original negatives, home with them as cool Marrakech souvenirs.
Finally, after your visit, unwind on the museum’s rooftop terrace with a coffee or tea.
Enjoy the panoramic views of the city and visit the Ecomusée Berbere afterward if you’re looking for other things to do in Marrakech.
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4. Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Locally known as the Musée Yves Saint Laurent, this facility pays homage to the legendary French fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent.
An icon of fashion, his influence is still felt throughout the industry today.
Accordingly, this museum was Inaugurated in 2017 since the designer loved Marrakech and had been living there with his partner since 1966.
Today, the museum is a remarkable testament to contemporary haute couture design and features collections of vibrant outfits, colorful accessories, and an in-depth narrative about the designer’s life.
The museum is also home to a large auditorium where you can watch documentaries about the Yves Saint Laurent.
There’s also a research library, café, and bookstore for you to explore. Honestly, I’m not at all into fashion but loved seeing all of the incredible outfits on display.
This place truly is a feast for the senses. Just be sure to get a combined ticket for the museum and Jardin Majorelle so that you can visit the garden afterward.
5. Museum of Music Mouassine
Spanish music, particularly that of Andalusia, has deep Moroccan and African influences. It’s something you can learn all about at The Museum of Music Mouassine.
It’s situated inside a beautiful, 16th-century riad in the medina that features stunning Saadian domestic architecture from the 1560s,
However, museum itself showcases a collection of artifacts that detail the diverse musical and cultural history of Morocco.
Adorned with stucco decor and filled with exquisite woodwork, the museum takes you on an auditory experience through the unique sounds and rhythms of Morocco.
Highlights include bongos, xylophones, and many other traditional stringed instruments.
You can even stop by on Mondays and Fridays, from October through May, for traditional Moroccan musical performances, as well as some pastries and tea.
6. Mohammed VI for the Civilisation of Water Museum
Recently opened in 2017, this is one of the best museums in Marrakech that was designed to honor the creative geniuses who brought water to Morocco and gave the country life.
It is a unique history, anthropology, and science museum that is dedicated to all things water and that discusses how Morocco managed its water and its cultural significance.
You’ll get unique insights into the nation’s water legacy, learn how water has shaped Moroccan culture, and marvel at the evolution of water technology within the country.
Delve into the significance of water in Morocco’s history and understand the need for its preservation as a precious resource.
Is it my favorite museum in the city? No. It also does get a little intense towards the end.
But, it’s definitely one of the most unusual museums in Marrakech and is worth visiting if you have some extra time. They also have great bathrooms.
This place is also a bit far from the city center. So, you will have to take a bus/taxi here.
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7. Bahia Palace
⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5 (147 Reviews) Price: $20 per person Duration: 1.5 hours 📍Meeting Point: In front of the Hôtel Restaurant Café de France Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Bahia, translating to “brilliant” in official Arabic, perfectly reflects the extravagant beauty and majestic charm of this captivating place.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Marrakech then spend some time exploring this remarkable, 8,000-square-meter palace.
While the palace has more than 150 rooms, only a select few are open to the public.
“The tour was really exceptional. Medhi the guide took us through the Medina in the tiny streets. He explained us the history of the places and the origins of the events. You feel like hearing a story told by a special character! At the end he proposed ti take a mint tea at the Jewish area renown the fine spices. This generosity is very rare! Many thanks Medhi. Jocelyne and Mario”
Jocelyne (read more reviews now!)
But, the rooms that are open are amazing. They feature stunning tilework, plasterwork, and zouak – a traditional Moroccan method of wood carving.
In particular, the Petit Riad and the Grand Riad feature extraordinary ceilings and woodwork.
The Cour d’Honneur, however, stands out as the highlight of your visit since it features a breathtaking courtyard covered with Italian Carrara marble.
Admission starts at 70 Dirham ($7.00) and you should arrive right when they open to avoid the hordes of tourists.
8. Badi Palace
This is one of those museums in Marrakech that is mostly ruins. So, it isn’t as impressive as Bahia Palace.
However, Badi Palace is still worth a visit since the remains you see today are a testament to a glorious past and it remains one of the popular attractions in Marrakech.
In its heyday, Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour extravagantly decorated this royal residence with oodles of gold, turquoise, and crystal.
Regrettably, the splendor of this structure was destroyed by Sultan Moulay Ismail, who basically took it all back to Meknes where he lived like a boss.
Nonetheless, visitors can still wander through a vast courtyard with four sunken gardens and reflective pools.
Additionally, the basement hosts an exhibit showcasing the history of the Kasbah/Mellah, alongside a modest exhibit on the lives of slaves/prisoners.
The Khayzuran Pavilion is also home to several temporary contemporary art exhibits and is worth a visit, as is the extraordinary Koutoubia minbar.
Just don’t leave without climbing the stairs and enjoying the views from the top.
I also like to arrive early since the lighting is great and you can take epic photos of the ruins as you ascend from the basement into the complex. Tickets also start at 70 Dirham ($7.00) each.
9. Ben Youssef Madrasa
⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5 ( Reviews) Price: $25 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍Meeting Point: Meet in front of Café de France Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Established in the 14th century, this renowned college was once the biggest school in North Africa.
Today, it is one of the city’s most magnificent examples of architecture and is still the largest madrasa (school) in Morocco.
As you enter, you’ll discover an inspiring quote that reads, “May you exceed your greatest ambitions upon entering my doors.”
“Excellent tour and a perfect introduction to the city, Mohammed was excellent and took us to some great secret spots we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Highly recommended!”
Dominic (read more reviews now!)
It was designed to motivate the 900 students living here. However, visitors are typically fascinated with the exquisite tilework that fills the grand courtyards.
The prayer rooms and dormitories are also worth exploring since they were originally built by Sultan Abu Inan Faris and later lavishly enhanced by Abdallah al-Ghalib.
Currently, the madrasa is open to visitors from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with tickets starting at 70 Dirham ($7.00) each.
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10. Dar Bellarj
What I love about Dar Bellarj is the fact that it used to be a hospital for injured storks (yes, the birds).
Yeah, “bellarj” actually means stork in Arabic. It also sits right near Madrasa Ben Youssef, so you could easily visit both Marrakech landmarks at the same time.
Today, the storks are long-gone and this unique museum in Marrakech is an arts center where you can enjoy films, textiles, and storytelling.
The goal is to promote living culture in the Medina through workshops, concerts, performances, and exhibitions that intertwine modern art with traditional Moroccan culture.
Admission is usually free, although you may have to pay for special events like musical concerts, arts workshops, calligraphy workshops, etc.
All in all, the exhibits are expertly curated and immaculately kept within a picturesque courtyard that is encircled by four large lounges.
Local Tip: A real highlight of any visit is attending an evening concert in the central courtyard.
11. Dar Si Said
This amazing museum in Marrakech was initially owned by Si Said, whose brother, Grand Vizier Bou Ahmed, lived in Bahia Palace.
It is a mansion in the Medina that dates back to the19th-century and stands as a testament to Moroccan mâalem, or master craftsmen.
So, step inside and explore a facility dedicated to the art of Moroccan weaving and carpets.
Explore the history and importance of carpet making and learn about the unique techniques used by locals.
However, aside from carpets, artifacts on display include jewelry, weapons, woodwork, pottery, ceramics, weapons, trays, tea pots, musical instruments, and more.
Also be sure to explore the lovely on-site garden and the gorgeous bridal suite on the first floor.
It’s one of the best hidden gems in Marrakech and is a great place to go that isn’t heaving with people.
Tickets are also well-priced at 30 Dirham ($3.00) and the museum is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, except Tuesdays.
12. Saadian Tombs
Constructed by Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Ed Dahbi, these extravagant tombs were created as he was building Badi Palace.
After all, the sultan wanted a final resting place almost as grand as the palaces he lived in.
So, he developed the graveyard adjacent to Badi Palace into a magnificent mausoleum with luxurious Italian Carrara marble and muqarnas — ornamental plasterwork accented with gold.
The exceptional preservation of these tombs is attributed to the actions of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who wanted to erase his predecessor’s memory by hiding the tombs behind walls.
In fact, the tombs were so well hidden that they were only rediscovered in 1917. So, if the tombs don’t feel super spacious to you then that’s why.
Visitors today can marvel at the Chamber of the 12 Pillars. This room is located near the entrance and is known for its intricate tile work and golden muqarnas.
Also be sure to stop by the Garden Tombs, Lalla Massouda’s Tomb, and the Chamber of Three Niches and Prayer Room.
Tickets start at 60 Dirham ($6.00) per person and you can visit anytime between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Just try and stop by late in the afternoon when the light is the best and you can take some killer photos.
13. Musee Tiskiwin (Tiskiwin Museum)
Easily one of the most unique museums in Marrakech, Tiskiwin Museum features a collection of cultural artifacts that were expertly curated by Dutch anthropologist Bert Flint.
Housed within a beautifully restored Riad, it features an interior courtyard that is drenched in the shade of mandarin trees. It;s a great spot to relax with a cup of tea.
However, the museum’s charm is amplified by a few English descriptions that guests must try to match with artifacts on display.
So, explore the items on display and embark on a historic journey along ancient caravan routes that were used by Berber tribes to visit Mali and Timbuktu.
Start upstairs and marvel ta a rich collection of Amazigh (or Berber) cultural items like carpets, brooches, tents, accessories, jewelry, and headgear.
A standout exhibit features photographs of the Wodaabe Fulani of Niger that were taken during the Gerewol courtship festival.
The museum also peels back the layers of Morocco’s Jewish history, offering insights into their crafts and coexistence with Berbers.
Just be sure to grab some English descriptions for the museum since they are available only if you ask.
The museum also tends to close for a siesta between 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm.
14. Le MAP Marrakech – Monde des Arts de la Parure
I first visited Le MAP Marrakech – Monde des Arts de la Parure in January of 2023. However, I didn’t start my blog until MUCH later.
So, the details of my visit were a bit foggy and I couldn’t even remember the exact name of the place.
I also had ZERO decent photos of the museum and decided not to write about it…until I revisited the museum with my partner recently.
Let me tell you, it was awesome visiting one of the best museums in Marrakech without tons of people. Yes, admission was a bit steep at 100 Dirhams for foreigners.
But, the collection was awesome. It included a wide collection of traditional clothing and jewelry from Morocco, Jordan, Palestine, and beyond.
There was even a cool collection of Chinese art on display that I loved. However, I think my fave thing on display was all the exquisite kaftans.
All in all, I think this place is well worth a visit. Plus, they have nice write-ups available in English.
If you have time, you can also visit their awesome rooftop restaurant. It is filled with tons of live plants and makes you feel like you are dining inside a rooftop garden.
Map Of Museums In Marrakech
Click here to see the full map
Museums in Marrakech FAQs
What is the Speciality of Marrakech?
Marrakech is known around the country for its amazing mint and delicious mint tea. Marrakech is also known for its vibrant Medina and for incredible museums.
What is Special in Marrakech?
Some special things in Marrakech include Djemaa El Fna square. Visit at night to enjoy some shopping, food, and entertainment.
You can also relax on the roof of a local cafe and sip on a coffee while you watch all the people walk around you down below.
Marrakech also has a very active nightlife.
What is the Best Area of Marrakech?
The best area in Marrakech is the northern part of the Medina.
From here you can access amazing sites like Koutoubia Mosque and Jardin Majorelle as you walk along the narrow streets and meet vivacious street vendors.
What is the History of the Marrakech Museum?
The Marrakech Museum was originally built as a palace for influential dignitaries and rulers.
It eventually became a cultural institution that was designed to preserve the unique history of this amazing city.
That wraps up this guide to the best museums in Marrakech. I hope you found some fun museums in Marrakech to add to your bucket list.
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