Things to do in Marrakech: Majorelle Gardens & YSL Museum
A trip to Marrakech for architecture and design lovers isn't complete with out a visit to Jardin Majorelle to see the iconic Blue Villa and Gardens.
Morocco's vibrant colours have been inspiring artists and designers for centuries.
The country's distinctive architecture, textiles, and decorative arts an endless source of inspiration for interiors, fashion designers, musicians, poets and painters from all over the world.
One of the most iconic examples being the Majorelle Gardens and Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech - celebrating it's 100th year this year in 2024.
Originally created by French artist Jaques Majorelle at the turn of the century, the grounds of the Majorelle Gardens wrap around it's iconic cubist design villa, used as his artists residency up until the 1950s, after which it was left to ruin.
The property was bought and restored by French designer Yves Saint Laurent in the 1980s. It's now the location of the YSL Museum and Gallery that displays his sketches, artworks and retrospective fashion designs, and where his ashes are famously scattered amongst the gardens.
While you're visiting, don't skip the Berber Art Museum - with it's beautiful and extensively curated collection of historical Amazigh textiles, jewellery and ceramics.
It's an insightful and educational look into the history and culture of the Berber people, their way of life and their crafts.
The YSL gallery space is also often home to feature exhibitions. The most recent time I visited in (January 2024) the gallery was hosting the Serpent Exhibition - a collection of both historical and contemporary Indigenous Australian artists, centred around the mythical Rainbow Serpent from Aboriginal mythology.
As an Australian I loved seeing this exhibition in this space - certainly the first of it's kind I've seen outside of Australia.
At the time of writing - the gallery space is currently closed making way for a new exhibition.
The surrounding area of the Majorelle Gardens:
Located in the new city "Ville Nouvelle", just outside the Medina and a short 20 minute walk from Gueliz. This area has some beautiful art deco homes and villas in the back streets around the gardens which are worth a wander around, for anyone interested in architecture and mid century design.
Give your self a couple of hours to enjoy the gardens and the museum at your own pace. Then leave some time to have a look around the growing number of Marrakech based brands' concept stores and shopping boutiques in the Majorelle area.
Including Chabi Chic, Be the Souk, Rue 333, The Moroccans and Moro concept stores.
Tips for visiting the Majorelle Gardens:
Visiting the gardens early in the morning will help you dodge the steady stream of tour groups and influencers with tripods and selfie sticks... the gardens are becoming an increasingly well trodden stop on the Instagram tourism trail.
Be aware of the increasingly present non-authorised websites and 3rd party sites selling tickets and tours to the Majorelle Gardens. Pre-book your tickets before arriving direct through the Jardin Majorelle booking site to receive a QR code for entry and avoid 3rd party booking fees and problems.
If you want the full experience, purchase your combined ticket for the Majorelle Gardens, YSL Museum and Berber Arts Museum at the same time.
Address: Rue Yves St Laurent, Marrakech 40090, Morocco
The Jardin Majorelle is open every day 8am to 6:30pm
The last entry is at 6 pm
The Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts is open every day of the week, from 8:30am to 6pm
Leave a comment