Marrakech's Contemporary Art Scene: A Guide to the Red City's Cultural Renaissance
Founded in 1070 by the Almoravid dynasty, Marrakech boasts a vibrant history marked by the Almohads and Saadians, followed by a resurgence under Sultan Muhammad Ibn Abdullah in the late 18th century. The establishment of the French protectorate in 1912 spurred the growth of the Guéliz district. Currently, the city is undergoing a cultural revival, showcased by events such as the Biennale and the 1:54 contemporary art fair, alongside its recognition as the first African Capital of Culture in 2020. Notable venues include Fondation Dar Bellarj, Riad Yima, and Riad Denise Masson. Critic Benhamed points out the tourist-centric cultural landscape, with galleries primarily in Guéliz and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum among institutional spaces. The Fondation Montresso supports 30 artists each year.
Key facts
- Marrakech was founded in 1070 by the Almoravid dynasty.
- The city was designated the first African Capital of Culture in 2020.
- The Biennale founded by Vanessa Branson had its last edition canceled.
- 1:54 contemporary art fair is held at La Mamounia hotel.
- Fondation Dar Bellarj is run by Susanna Biedermann and Max Alioth.
- Riad Yima is the home and studio of artist Hassan Hajjaj.
- 18 Derb El Ferrane was founded by Laila Hida and is run by an all-female team.
- Fondation Montresso was founded by Jean-Louis Haguenauer in 2009.
- The Yves Saint Laurent Museum opened in 2017.
- Designer Valérie Barkowski employs local women in traditional embroidery.
Entities
Artists
- Eugène Delacroix
- Henri Matisse
- Jacques Majorelle
- Hermès
- Bill Willis
- Paul Getty
- Yves Saint Laurent
- Alain Delon
- Vanessa Branson
- Richard Branson
- Hassan Hajjaj
- Laila Hida
- Francesca Masoero
- Meriem Benhamed
- Fatima Mernissi
- Denise Masson
- Sophia Tebbaa
- Valérie Barkowski
- Tatiana Panova
- Maya Inès Touam
- Susanna Biedermann
- Max Alioth
- Quentin Wilbaux
- Abdelhakim Guilmi
- Jean-Louis Haguenauer
- Sultan Muhammad Ibn Abdullah
Institutions
- Fondation Dar Bellarj
- Institut français
- 18 Derb El Ferrane
- Fondation Montresso
- MACAAL
- Maison de la Photographie
- Yves Saint Laurent Museum
- David Bloch gallery
- Galleria 127
- Voice gallery
- Sahart Foundation
- Fondation ONA
- Biennale d’Art Contemporaine de Marrakech
- 1:54 contemporary art fair
- La Mamounia
- Palazzo dei Congressi
- Dior
- Artribune
Locations
- Marrakech
- Morocco
- Medina
- Guéliz
- Riad Laarouss
- Atlas Mountains
- Rabat
- Congo
- Italy
- Europe
- Vallonia-Bruxelles
- Paris