MOROCCAN HEART
The African Capital of Culture for 2020, Marrakech is awash with cultural insight
Rich history, tradition and creative innovation all make Marrakech the cultural hub it has become. Marrakech is recognised by UNESCO for Jemaa el-fnaa Square and the labyrinthine medina of its old town, and the city as a whole stands out for its architectural, artistic and cultural legacy.
In recent years, this rich heritage has been joined by the city’s burgeoning contemporary art scene. The high-design
Yves Saint Laurent Museum made its debut in 2017 and 2018 saw the launch of the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL) — anyone in the market for their own piece of African art can visit in February for the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, which is held in collaboration with major art institutions around the world.
The local institution Montresso Art Foundation creates a space for contemporary art exhibitions year-round and hidden galleries such as Riad Yima show a different side to the city. Of course, the city’s 2020 status as first-ever African Capital of Culture isn’t based solely on its arts. Soak up local tradition in an authentic hammam, taste Moroccan dishes such as the tajine and try haggling in one of the city’s colourful souks.
For deeper insight into the culture, visit museums such as Dar Si Said and the palatial Dar El Bacha. Explore the city from one of Marrakech’s famously opulent hotels. Royal Mansour was designed to feel like its own medina with traditional architecture, restaurants, gardens, a sprawling spa and resplendent riads for accommodation. Mandarin Oriental Marrakech offers a more contemporary feel with suites overlooking the Atlas Mountains, and The Oberoi Marrakech, which is the latest hotel to make its debut, combines architecture inspired by the palaces of ancient Morocco with an enviable location amid orchards and olive groves.