Maison de la Photographie

Slipping through the bustling souks, we find ourselves before an unassuming doorway. This is the entrance to the Maison de la Photographie, a time capsule holding the visual memories of Marrakech. The Maison de la Photographie opened in 2009. It’s housed in a renovated funduq, a traditional inn for travelers. The founders, Patrick Manac’h and Hamid Mergani, envisioned a space where Morocco’s photographic heritage could be shared. Inside, over 10,000 photographs, glass plates, and postcards whisper stories of Marrakech and Morocco from the 1870s to the 1950s. Imagine the click and whirr of early cameras, capturing the faces of Berber tribespeople in the High Atlas Mountains, documented by Daniel Chicault in the first color film in Morocco. Wander through the cool, dimly lit rooms. See the changing landscapes through the lenses of pioneers like George Washington Wilson and A. Cavilla. Marvel at the aerial perspectives captured by Marcelin Flandrin, the first photographer to take pictures from the Moroccan sky. Observe the intricate details of Volubilis in Henri de La Martinière’s photographs. The Maison de la Photographie isn’t just a museum. It’s a living archive, continually growing through donations and research. Every six months, new exhibitions emerge, casting fresh light on different facets of Moroccan history and culture. After exploring the photographic treasures, ascend to the rooftop terrace. The panoramic view of Marrakech unfolds, the Atlas Mountains rising majestically in the distance. The Maison de la Photographie offers a unique perspective on Marrakech, blending the old and the new. It is a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the city’s rich past and vibrant present.