Crisscrossing the medina of Marrakech, our way led us until we finally reached the Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech. As already with our other ways by the Medina I was really glad that our navigation system on the cell phone functioned well. At some intersections we had to look then nevertheless, since we did not want to go then nevertheless on the “friendly” offer of the Moroccans us to lead and us the way rather alone looked for.
Finally, we found the Riad not far from the Koranic school Medersa Ben Youssef. We scraped together the last of our money (we had searched in vain for an ATM on the way) and were able to experience one of the most impressive photo exhibitions I have seen so far.
What can you see at the Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech?
Hamid Mergani and Patrick Manac’h opened the Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech in a renovated riad in 2009. Here, they want to show Morocco from a completely different side. To this end, they design exhibitions with specific thematic focuses and organize traveling exhibitions.
About 10,000 exhibits have now been accumulated, also due to numerous donations. These photographs, glass plates, films, postcards, newspapers, maps and documentation show in an impressive way the diversity of Morocco from 1879-1960.
You can not only learn about Morocco and Moroccan culture in the exhibition, there are also exhibits that deal with the history of photography.
A small tour
Before I even look at the first exhibits, I am already completely thrilled the first time we step into the small courtyard of the riad. This is how I had imagined a riad. The courtyard is bright and friendly, there are small rooms around the courtyard and a staircase leads to the galleries on the upper floors.
Only when I have “had my fill” of the architecture do I start looking at the exhibits. Many photos look as if they have just been taken in the medina. I spot street scenes, merchants, and tanners, just as I often did on our walking tours. After I have seen then the admission dates of the pictures I had to determine that in some areas in Marrakech the time apparently stopped. Traditions are still lived today and also proudly presented.
There are images that really inspire me, especially the portraits that show faces that can tell whole stories. Especially the black and white shots fascinate me again and again. I find that the structures often come into their own much better here than in color photographs.
On the upper floor, a documentary film is running in one room. I stop for a while and look at the impressive landscapes that are shown. Mentally I plan what I would like to see of Morocco absolutely still, so impress me the pictures.
Tip:
Who is in the Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech should not miss it to go to the roof terrace of the house. Here is not only a café, you also have a fantastic view over the roofs of the city.
Since the tickets to the museum are day tickets, you can of course come back later. The café is always well attended and enjoying the atmosphere of the city with a tea from up here is really worth it.
Address:
46, Rue Bin Lafnadek, Marrakesch 40000, Marokko
Opening hours:
daily: 9:30 – 19 h
Admission fee:
Adults: 50 MAD
Attention. Cash only!
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