Marrakech is not only a city of monuments: it has a living cultural scene, with exhibitions that change several times a year, ambitious private museums and brand-new venues. Here is what we think is most worth seeing right now — the same advice we give guests of Riad Mylaya.
Dates and prices checked on the official sites in September 2026: programmes can be extended, cut short or changed, and hours vary during Ramadan. Check before you travel across town — we are happy to do it for you.
"Yves Saint Laurent on stage" at the YSL Museum
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum, next to Jardin Majorelle, is showing the stage costumes the designer created for theatre, ballet and music hall. It reveals a different Saint Laurent from the one of the catwalks: the one who dressed characters. The exhibition runs from 31 January 2026 to 5 January 2027, and the ticket includes the permanent gallery. The museum opens every day except Wednesday, 10am-6pm. Book online and come early in the day — this is one of the busiest venues in the city.
Maison de la Photographie, Morocco remembered
This small Medina museum shows photographs of Morocco from the early 20th century: portraits from the Atlas, souk scenes, southern landscapes. It also runs temporary exhibitions and off-site screenings. It is our first recommendation for a cultural morning, ten minutes on foot from the riad. Entry 80 MAD, daily 9.30am-7pm, ticket also valid for the Music Museum — with a rooftop terrace to finish.
MACAAL and contemporary African creation
The Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden shows its collection in thematic rotations: sculpture, photography, installation, with artists from the continent and its diaspora. Currently on show: Statues Also Breathe, a group exhibition, and Crazy Lines, devoted to the Moroccan artist Yassine Balbzioui, both announced into January 2027. 120 MAD, 60 MAD for residents and African nationals, free under 12 and for students; Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-6pm. Allow half a day with travel; it is a good reason to leave the Medina.
Marrakesh-Timbuktu, a new venue to watch
Announced for 2026, this cultural space showcases the Afro-Berber art collection assembled by the ethnographer Bert Flint and tells the story of the caravan routes that linked Marrakech to the Sahel. The project is young: check that it has opened before you travel across town, but it is probably the most interesting cultural addition of the year.
The Museum of Intangible Heritage, on Jemaa el-Fna
Set in the former state bank branch on the square itself, this museum is devoted to what cannot be put in a display case: stories, music, gestures, the arts of the halqa. Its temporary programme changes several times a year — ask us what is on. 30 MAD, Tuesday to Sunday 10am-6pm, closed Mondays. The terrace has one of the finest views over the square.
A well-built cultural day
Our favourite programme, tested with guests: Maison de la Photographie at opening time, lunch in the Medina, Museum of Intangible Heritage in the early afternoon, then Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum late in the day with a pre-booked slot. The next day, head out to MACAAL, which is far quieter.
For the full list of permanent venues, with times and prices, see our guide to the museums, monuments and gardens of Marrakech. And if you would rather visit with a guide, our group activities and excursions include guided tours of the Medina and the monuments.
Practical information
- Tickets: online for Majorelle and the YSL Museum, on site elsewhere. Bring cash.
- Closing days: Monday for the Museum of Intangible Heritage, Wednesday for the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Monday and Tuesday for MACAAL.
- Distances: Medina museums are walkable from the riad; allow 15 to 25 minutes by car for Majorelle, MACAAL or Anima Garden. We arrange the transfer.
- Best time: opening time, always. And spring or autumn for the densest programme.
Frequently asked questions
Which exhibitions can you see in Marrakech right now?
The two highlights of the season are "Yves Saint Laurent on stage" at the YSL Museum, announced until 5 January 2027, and the pair Statues Also Breathe / Crazy Lines at MACAAL, announced into January 2027. Maison de la Photographie and the Museum of Intangible Heritage round out the programme with hangs that change several times a year.
Do you need to book for the exhibitions?
Only for the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and Jardin Majorelle, whose tickets are sold online at tickets.jardinmajorelle.com. Elsewhere you buy at the door, in cash.
Which day should you avoid for a cultural programme?
Wednesday, when the Yves Saint Laurent Museum closes, and Monday, when both the Museum of Intangible Heritage and MACAAL close. We check the day's opening times for you before you set out.
