Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL)

Front view of Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL)

Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL)

Loading available options...

Overview

  • Duration:4 hours 30 minutes
  • Travelers:5 guests
  • Tour Type:Culture & Landmark, Daily tour, Group tour, Private tour
  • Language:English
The Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL) is an independent, non-profit institution dedicated to promoting contemporary art from across Africa and its diaspora. Founded by the father-and-son duo Alami and Othman Lazraq, the museum opened in 2018 to bridge a critical institutional gap for African contemporary artists. Located just outside central Marrakech within the luxurious Al Maaden Golf Resort complex, the impressive 4,000-square-meter facility features a striking, mineral-textured facade designed to harmonize with the surrounding desert landscape. MACAAL houses a vast permanent collection of over 2,000 works alongside dynamic rotating exhibitions that foster international cultural dialogue.

Why You Should Visit

You should visit MACAAL to experience a groundbreaking, cutting-edge side of Marrakech's art scene that extends far beyond traditional artifacts and historic palaces. As the first museum in Morocco exclusively dedicated to modern African art, it provides a powerful platform for painters, sculptors, and digital media artists whose distinct voices and socio-political perspectives rarely reach mainstream Western audiences. The expertly curated galleries challenge conventional narratives through themes of identity, resource utilization, and heritage.
Read more

Highlights

  • Seven Contours, One Collection Exhibition: A massive, beautifully redesigned semi-permanent display mapping over 150 different historic and modern pieces across seven thematic rooms.
  • The Sculpture Trail & Park: A curated outdoor art walk that spans across the surrounding greenery and borders the adjacent Al Maaden golf course.
  • Global African Photography Collection: Powerful visual exhibits highlighting acclaimed regional artists, alongside mixed-media works by notable international figures like Maïmouna Guerresi.
  • The Permanent Installation Hall: A dedicated ground-floor space designed specifically to accommodate immersive, large-scale multi-sensory art installations.
  • MACAAL Shop: An outstanding museum boutique showcasing unique, limited-edition home decor, independent books, and handmade design goods by continental creators.
  • The MACAAL Café & Terrace: A tranquil, minimalist courtyard retreat perfect for enjoying light bites, fresh salads, and artisan espresso under the sun.

Includes/Excludes

  • Shared tour
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours and admission fees?

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and is strictly closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. General admission tickets cost 120 MAD (approx. €12) for international visitors, while children under 12 and students can enter for free.

How do I get to the museum from central Marrakech?

MACAAL is located about a 15-to-20-minute drive southeast of the Medina. The most reliable transport option is to take a registered city taxi or use ride-hailing apps like inDrive; ask your driver for the "Al Maaden Golf Course" if they are unfamiliar with the museum's exact name.

What to bring

Small cash denominations (Dirhams)
Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to show respect for local cultural and religious norms.
Comfortable Footwear
A Camera or Smartphone

You might also like...

Related Articles