Wandering the dusty streets and alleyways surrounding the souks you would be forgiven for thinking that the only attraction in this African city is the allure of some haggling in the covered, crowded corridors lined with enticing stalls, specialising in just about everything you could imagine.
Whilst the souks are an experience that no-one should avoid this is not the only reason to visit such culturally rich, historical metropolis.
When visiting any country many travellers will say that it is the people that make the experience unique and often overwhelming. If you are a person that enjoys spending time with locals or have an infinite ability to spend hours people watching then Maison de la Photographie is a must.
Located on Rue Ahel Fes, one of the oldest streets of the medina, you will find this gem blending into its surroundings and embracing the old façade of the building. The art work displayed here enhances the interior of the one-time Inn and gives a sense that it was designed specifically for this purpose.
Home to over 4500 photographs this is an exceptional collection demonstrating the history of a country proud of its heritage. Large works draw your attention making you feel like you are part of the scene. The detail and clarity of some of the photos make it easy to forget that some were taken as early as 1870; a time before computers and digital enhancing and yet you could easily believe that they were taken yesterday.
Not only will you find numerous images of people, each with their own story to tell, you will be able to explore the landscape and culture of Morocco. Rather than having to travel miles to see the archaeological site of Volubilis for example, Henri de La Martiniere, brings the impressive site to you through a lens. There are also numerous other Moroccan landscapes captured by wonderful photographers including Marcelin Flandrin, H. Regnault and J. Robichez not to be missed.
One element that is worthy of people’s time is the series of short documentaries running on the top floor of the museum exploring life of Berber tribes living in the High Altas Mountains. It is not for the quality of the recording itself that you will watch it but for the insights into an almost unknown group of people outside of Africa.
All the photographs you see can also be purchased; unfortunately not the real thing but a print of outstanding quality. So if one particular image does leave an impression you can take it home with you. Likewise, this is one of the few collections of other people’s art work that you are allowed to photograph – so you can click away until your heart is content – just be mindful of your reflection in the glass protecting each image.
A visit to Maison de la Photographie costs 40 Dhs per person (just under £3 per person) and the ticket is valid for the length of your trip, so should you want to go back for more – its free!
Purchased prints vary in cost from 250 – 500 Dhs (between £18 and £36) or you could buy a series of postcards at minimal cost.
For those after something slightly more unusual a visit to the Maison Tiskiwin is an interesting experience. Home to the largest private collection of Moroccan art this museum is a more than just a place to exhibit art work this is the life’s work of one man who has taken the time to explore the country. The owner of the collection, Bert Flint, is a Dutch Anthropologist who has spent years collecting everything from carpets, jewellery, statues and clothes from every imaginable area of the country. His choice of artefact may not always be to everyone’s taste but it is definitely an accomplishment – no other museum has such a variety.
Slightly harder to find on Rue el Bahia, an obscure side street, closer to the Bahia palace, the building once again has been chosen for its delightful interior. If you are not interested in the artefacts themselves I guarantee the zellij and woodwork present as you saunter around will cause you to stop; the elaborate designs are beautiful and you have to wonder about the skill of the person that could create such visually attractive artwork
Maison Tiskiwin is open daily from 9.30 – 12.30/3 – 6pm and costs 15Dhs per person (just over £1).
Both museums are highly rated by many that have visited, which should make them both places of interest for anyone wanting to explore Marrakech.
I always enjoy great photography, and historic photographs. The museum sounds like a great place to visit. Thanks. –Curt
Marrakech is really popular at the moment! I took a bit more time than I would have liked to adjust to the chaos.
We visited Fes before going to Marrakech so I think we were more acclimatized by the time we got there but I know what you mean by chaos!
Great advice I look forward to visiting one day not being a shopper often puts me off going to some places this was one of them.
I guarantee that you can avoid shopping throughout your trip, although at some point even those that hate shopping (I include myself in this group) can’t help but have a go at haggling! 🙂
They look great! I have absolutely no interest in shopping when I travel although I do love wandering around local markets and souks 🙂
The Souks definitely hold a different appeal to your normal shop but it doesn’t take long for my mind to wander off with a desire to do something different 🙂
First of all, love love love the quote in your header “Most people just want to see you fall, that’s more reason to stand tall”
Now, onto your post! 🙂
What an interesting place to visit! I love the fact that you photograph the photographs and the interior as well as the exterior of the building is just beautiful! BTW, love the last photo – it brings both the place and the culture to life!!
Thank you. I take random photos and then spend hours going back through them; deleting several as I go. Part of the enjoyment of these museums is the way you seem to just stumble across them because they have been set up to blend in with the local landscape; that was one of the things we loved about Marrakech.
I’ve never been a huge shopper, so I love these suggestions! 🙂
I last for a while but shopping has never held any appeal for me either 🙂
4,500 photographs? That sounds like a huge collection! Are they all displayed on the walls – if so, the place must be vast!!! I’m guessing, though, that some must just be in storage?
It took several hours to wander around and I have to say we went back for a second visit during our time there to see the bits we had missed. Some images had been stored away but should you want to see them you only had to ask one of the two gentlemen at the front desk and they would happily take you off to see them.
It’s always great when you can find some museums to visit especially when they don’t cost very much! Some of the local museums are frequently the best to visit because even though they may not get the media coverage they deserve, the exhibits inside them are true to the area you are visiting and can probably give you a better idea as to the local culture you are experiencing.
Marrakech is full of locally run museums which were great to visit and knowing that the money they made would be reused in the community put a smile on my face! 🙂
Ooh I love this! Great alternative, I love looking at shops and markets but I want to hit museums first.
I did enjoy the souks but there is only so much shopping one person can do 🙂
Beautiful! Great suggestions! I think I can fit these in, along with shopping ;P
I’ll always seek out the museums before I’ll hit any shops or markets (where everyone else is), this is a great alternative write up!
It’s hard to beat the souks :). Just kidding. Both museums sound pretty interesting. I would certainly enjoy the Maison de la Photographie.
Amazing photos!
Whose not a shopper? Who are those weird people…kidding, even though I love shopping I’d still love to see these sights too. Just AFTER the shopper was done.
Hopefully Morocco will be one of our next destinations in the near future, great to read interesting posts about it!
Make me want to go and see the musée de la photographie. I like that type of places. Really nice!
Not shopping – I suggest the Marjorelle Gardens!
I loved that park. The colours were so vibrant and the little cafe in the heart is ovely. I have a post about it coming up! 🙂
I look forward to reading it and comparing it with mine!
I am just in the process of sorting out all the pictures I took so will be ready in a couple of days 🙂