Having been deprived of them for so long, we have also been delighted to reconnect at last with some of the best-known cultural attractions in Marrakech itself.
Recently, it has been possible for local residents to emerge from lockdown and, at last, to get away from Marrakech for some fresh air in rural surroundings. The delightful Jardin Anima (https://www.lesborjs.com/blog/things-to-do-in-and-around-marrakech/213/), a splendid 2-hectare garden 27 km from Marrakech, has just reopened its doors after months of closure. This Ourika Valley botanical paradise, designed by the celebrated Austrian artist, André Heller, makes for a fascinating excursion. First opened in 2016, it boasts a dazzling assortment of colourful plants, not least thousands of roses, as well as lush palm trees and many unusual and original sculptures throughout the gardens. There is also a small museum with an exhibition of photographs. https://www.anima-garden.com/
The French Institute of Marrakech has reopened its doors to offer us Micro-Folie, its new digital museum of culture, where one can discover the works of numerous international artists, past and present, drawn from some of the finest collections throughout Europe and further afield.
The Majorelle Foundation, guardians of the famous Majorelle Gardens, one of the most popular attractions in Marrakech, has informed us that it is once again open to the public and will henceforth bear the name ‘The Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts’ (after the partner of the former owner, Yves Saint Laurent). https://www.jardinmajorelle.com/en/
Also, open again to the public is the excellent Secret Garden (https://www.lesborjsdelakasbah.com/blog/le-jardin-secret-a-new-garden-in-marrakech/206/), a loving recreation of a former medieval garden in the heart of the medina. https://lejardinsecretmarrakech.com/en/
Another unmissable Marrakech attraction, the 16th century Ben Youssef Koranic College, has also reopened its doors to the public after a 2-year programme of renovation which means that this architectural and cultural gem is now even more impressive than ever. https://www.medersa-ben-youssef.com/en/home/. The same applies to the former palace (now a museum) of the famous and fabulously wealthy ruler of Marrakech, Pacha El Glaoui, who held sway during the period of the French Protectorate (1912 – 1956). http://www.fnm.ma/musee-dar-el-bacha-de-marrakech/