Contemporary art offers a different way to experience Marrakech beyond the medina and its best-known sights. The city has developed into an important creative destination, with spaces presenting work by Moroccan artists alongside artists from elsewhere in Africa and the wider international art world.

The gallery scene is a good place to start. Gueliz has several contemporary galleries and creative spaces, making it easy to combine an exhibition with cafés, shops and other parts of the modern city.

Marrakech also has museums and foundations where art can be explored in a broader cultural context. Exhibitions may cover photography, painting, sculpture, textiles and mixed media, with programmes changing throughout the year.

The city has also become associated with major art events, particularly the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, which has brought galleries, collectors and artists from across Africa and beyond to Marrakech.

Adding one gallery or museum to a day in the city creates an interesting contrast with the historic medina. It also shows another side of Marrakech: one connected to contemporary African creativity, new ideas and an international cultural scene.

Places to explore

MACAAL · contemporary African art
Comptoir des Mines Galerie · contemporary art in Gueliz
Maison de la Photographie · photography and visual history of Morocco
Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech · fashion, exhibitions and design
1-54 Marrakech · contemporary African art fair held in the city.

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