Majorelle Garden and the Islamic Art Museum

Majorelle Garden (Jardin Majorelle) in Marrakech, named after French artist Jacques Majorelle, has been open to visitors since 1947. Today, beautiful shaded grounds, an impressive collection of exotic plants and trees, and an Islamic Art Museum (Musée d'Art Islamique) make this garden one of the must-see tourist attractions in Marrakech.

Jacques Majorelle (1886 – 1962)

The gardens were once the home and haven of French painter Jacques Majorelle, born in 1886 to an esteemed cabinet maker in Nancy, France. Travels to Spain, Egypt and the Mediterranean all pulled him away from his native country, but it was Morocco that beckoned Majorelle most strongly.

In 1924 Majorelle settled in Marrakech on a property that would become known as Majorelle Garden. There, he created a retreat with a.stunning home, spacious work studio, and vast garden in which he could indulge his botanical interest by growing plants and trees from around the world.

Majorelle’s passion for Morocco – especially the south – became evident in his paintings. Later travels to Sudan, Guinea, Niger, Senegal and the Ivory Coast also influenced his work.

Although Majorelle opened his property to visitors in 1947, the garden began to deteriorate following his death in 1962.

Restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé

Restoration of Majorelle Grden began after Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé purchased Majorelle’s former home in 1980. The house itself is not open to the public. Partially hidden by the foliage of trees, its majestic architecture can be seen from certain vantage points in the garden.

Further improvements were made in 2000, including an irrigation system which reduced water costs by 40 percent. Today, the grounds of the Majorelle Garden are beautifully maintained and create an atmosphere of lush tranquillity. Winding walkways, quaint bridges, gurgling fountains, and shady gazebos add to the landscape.

Plants and Birds

The Majorelle Garden is home to hundreds of exotic plant and tree specimens which come from five continents. These include cactuses, bamboos, palms, blooming potted plants, and aquatic plants.

Bird lovers will appreciate seeing the many species of local birds which inhabit the garden. Visitors can spot Pied Wagtails, Kestrels, Storks, Collared Flycatchers and more.

The Islamic Art Museum

Majorelle’s workshop, built in 1931, now houses a tasteful collection of Islamic art. The artifacts -- some hundreds of years old -- include jewelery, ceramics, textiles, weapons, carpets and more. Some of Jacques Majorelle's art work is also on display.

The exterior of the museum, painted in a striking blue, offers surprising contrast to the tranquil colors of the garden itself. The same cobalt blue – referred to as bleu Majorelle – is used with bright yellow to add color and contrast throughout the garden.

Admission Fees and Tourist Information

Majorelle Garden and the Islamic Art Museum are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer months). A small admission fee of 30 diraham is charged to enter the garden, and a separate admission of 15 diraham is charged at the museum entrance. Children must be accompanied by adults, and discounted admission is available to school groups.

No photos are permitted inside the museum, but tourists are welcome to take pictures of the exterior of the museum and in the garden itself. Picnics and dogs are prohibited.

More Moroccan Travel Info

Interested in traveling throughout Morocco? Consider visiting the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, or take a tour of North Africa's largest port city of Casablanca.

Source: JardinMarjorelle.com

Cactus in Majorelle Garden in Marrakech

Islamic Art Museum, Majorelle Garden in Marrakech

Walkway in Majorelle Garden in Marrakech

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