Exploring the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and The Museum of the Water Civilization in Morocco “Mohammed VI” in Marrakech

Paul | November 22, 2023 | Morocco, Tourism | No Comments

The city of Marrakech served as a profound source of inspiration for the renowned designer Yves Saint Laurent. Captivated by its vibrant light and colors, he acquired an electric blue villa in 1966, using it as a cherished vacation retreat. Many of his most exceptional collections were crafted in this city, leading Saint Laurent to express, “Marrakech taught me color. Before Marrakech, everything was black.”

In commemoration of the esteemed designer and his contributions, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent was inaugurated in October, approximately five decades after his initial visit to Morocco. Situated just a short distance from the Jardin Marjorelle, a 12-acre botanical garden meticulously restored by Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé in the 80s, the museum spans an impressive 43,000 square feet.

Within its expansive space, the museum houses an extensive collection comprising thousands of clothing items and couture accessories. These artifacts are thoughtfully curated based on themes significant to Saint Laurent, such as Africa and Morocco, Imaginary Voyages, Gardens, and Art. This museum stands as a tribute to the designer’s enduring legacy and the profound impact of his creative vision.

The Musée Yves Saint Laurent boasts several notable highlights, including the iconic 1965 Mondrian collection featuring cocktail dresses adorned with abstract paintings by the French artist Piet Mondrian. Visitors can also admire the legendary safari jacket and Le Smoking, both prominently displayed. Throughout the museum, the designer’s influences come to life through accompanying photographs, interviews, and extracts from music and film.

Designed by the French firm Studio KO, the building itself harmoniously blends contemporary and Moroccan elements. The museum’s façade showcases lattice-work brick cubes, thoughtfully designed to evoke the graceful folds of fabric. Exploring the museum grounds is also a must, where landscaping features desert-friendly elements such as papyrus, barbary figs, and prickly pears. This immersive experience offers visitors a comprehensive journey into the world of Yves Saint Laurent and his enduring impact on the realm of fashion.

The Museum of the Water Civilization in Morocco “Mohammed VI” in Marrakech

The Museum of the Water Civilization in Morocco, “Mohammed VI,” located in Marrakech, stands as a captivating cultural site dedicated to water. It is considered one of the must-visit places in Marrakech due to its rich architectural heritage, engaging presentations, and the profound message it conveys about humans and water in Morocco, blending innovation and tradition. Through installations, mock-ups, new technologies, historic reconstructions, and a unique immersive atmosphere, the AMAN Museum offers a journey through Morocco’s hydraulic adventure, unveiling insights into water management and showcasing the country’s entrepreneurial genius in harnessing this invaluable resource.

Key features of the museum:

Surface Area: With a sprawling surface area of 2000 m2 spread across three levels, the permanent exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration of the hydraulic epic in Morocco.
Level 1 (1st floor): Focuses on the scientific aspects of water, geographical influences on climate and water, and the common law applied in Morocco.
Level 2 (Ground floor): Dedicated to oasis water management, as well as celebrations and rituals related to water.
Level 3 (Basement): Details techniques of water abstraction, water distribution, and the hydraulic revolution in Morocco, featuring an impressive 360° video projection.

The museum’s innovative scenography incorporates objects, models, maps, interactive games, and a spectacular 360° projection to create an engaging and educational experience.

Temporary Exhibitions:

“Look on the Palm of Marrakech”: Photographer artist Mohamed Boussacsou’s exhibition captures the aesthetics of the palm tree through the seasons, emphasizing the relationships between the palm and light, sky, atmosphere, and color. The exhibition aims to raise awareness about the beauty and necessity of palm trees in the oasis eco-system.

“Moroccan Wildlife”: The exhibition, organized by the Association of Wildlife Photographers of Morocco, showcases the fauna of the kingdom through stunning photos of birds, reptiles, and mammals from various regions of Morocco. The exhibition serves as both a contemplative experience and an advocacy effort to preserve Morocco’s rich natural heritage, threatened by human activities.

The Museum of the Water Civilization provides a multifaceted exploration of Morocco’s relationship with water, blending history, science, and art to offer visitors a unique and enlightening experience.