Art is almost everywhere you look in Morocco’s captivating old imperial city of Marrakech. Historic sites, such as Koutoubia Mosque and Bahia Palace, feature intricate carvings and colourful traditional tilework. Many traditional riads and cultural hotels feature plenty of artistic touches and street art is abundant. Add even more visual beauty to your trip to Marrakech with a visit to some of the city’s art galleries.
Matisse Art Gallery
Located in Gueliz, the newer part of the city, Matisse Art Gallery opened in 1999. Named after the famous contemporary painter, Henri Matisse, the gallery displays interesting modern works in large, bright spaces. With two exhibition floors, it is one of the best places in Marrakech to admire pieces by some of Morocco’s most renowned contemporary artists. The gallery also features works by international names and up-and-coming Moroccan artists.
Les Atlassides
Les Atlassides features two distinct exhibition spaces on different floors. The mezzanine collection contains works by famous Moroccan artists, such as Mahi Binebine, Farid Belkahia, Mohammed Melehi, Tibari Kantour, and Mohammed Kacimi, who is sadly now deceased. Downstairs, you can admire temporary collections by contemporary artists. The diverse assortment of pieces makes this a good all-round gallery for art lovers.
David Bloch Gallery
Another gallery in Marrakech dedicated to contemporary works, David Bloch Gallery features a well-lit exhibition space and a charming outdoor courtyard. The constantly changing temporary exhibitions mainly showcase abstract works by both Moroccan and international artists.
La Galerie Bleue
A small gallery in Gueliz, La Galerie Bleue was founded by a local artist called Chalal. His own paintings are on display, with his almost-abstract pieces often blending elements from his Berber heritage with bright colours, religious symbolism and biomorphic shapes. The gallery also displays works by other local and international (mainly French) artists.
La Qoubba Galerie D’Art
La Qoubba Galerie D’Art can be found in the bustling streets of the old medina. Its two floors display works by local artists, with the pale walls covered with vibrant paintings. Life in Morocco and Moroccan culture are the main themes, with scenes from everyday life immortalised on canvas. Landscapes, portraits and abstract pieces are also among the varied works. Occasionally, the gallery displays sculptures and other artistic forms.
Light Gallery
Open since 2007, the Light Gallery is a relative newcomer to Marrakech’s arts scene. Located in the kasbah area of the city, high ceilings, plenty of space and crisp white walls help the varied pieces to stand out. The contemporary collections feature drawings, paintings and photography.
Voice Gallery
Located in the industrial quarter of Sidi Ghanem, the Voice Gallery was founded in 2011. It showcases art by Moroccan and international painters. The gallery provides a space for young artists to display their works. Many of the contemporary pieces are striking, eye catching and thought provoking. Works live up to the gallery’s tagline of “San Frontieres” (Without Limits).
Gallerie 127
Ascend a dimly lit staircase to the second floor of a rather nondescript building in Gueliz and you’ll find yourself in the photography haven of Gallerie 127. Exposed brickwork and drab concrete adds an industrial vibe to the gallery. Interesting works from international and Moroccan photographers adorn the walls, with a combination of both vintage and new photographs covering various subjects and themes. The black and white portraits are especially striking.
Dune Gallery
Dune Gallery is a top place to peruse and buy traditional Moroccan antiques. Although mainly operating as a store, the non-pushy members of staff make it a pleasure to simply look at the wealth of treasures on display. From detailed Moroccan rugs, exquisitely crafted tea sets and kitchen ware, to tribal jewellery, colourful ceramics, wooden carvings, furniture, enchanting lamps and more, a visit to Dune Gallery will really please your aesthetic senses.
6.4 Gallery
Located opposite the Theatre Royal and within the Opera Plaza Hotel, 6.4 Gallery opened very recently in 2015. The art space hosts temporary exhibitions. The unique pieces include paintings, sculptures and crafts. It displays works by Moroccan artists.
The long-standing and well-established Galerie Re is a terrific place for fans of contemporary art. Other interesting art galleries in Marrakech include the KE’CH Collective within Riad Laarouss, Ministero del Gusto, Galerie Dawiya, Riad Yima, and Galerie Noir sur Blanc. Additionally, you might also want to check out BCK Art Gallery, Gallerie Tindouf, and Remp Art Gallerie.
Many of Marrakech’s museums also feature large collections of art. Marrakech Museum, Dar Si Said, Dar Bellarj, Le Jardin, the Tiskiwin Museum, and the Berber Museum within the popular Majorelle Gardens are well worth adding to your Marrakech travel wish list.
