Celebrating Morocco's Cultural Heritage
In a landmark event that signifies a monumental step forward for the preservation and promotion of Moroccan cultural heritage, the National Foundation of Museums has awarded the inaugural 'Museum of Morocco' label to five distinguished institutions. This prestigious recognition, presented for the first time, is designed to elevate Moroccan museums to international standards, fostering a greater appreciation for the nation’s artistic and cultural assets.
The labels were conferred at a ceremony held on March 12, 2026, at the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rabat, attended by notable figures from the art and culture sectors. The institutions honored with the 'Museum of Morocco' label include the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts in Fez, the Bank Al-Maghrib Museum in both Rabat and Marrakech, the Al Maaden Contemporary African Art Museum (MACAAL), the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts.
Setting New Standards for Moroccan Museums
Valid for a renewable period of four years, this certification confirms that the awarded institutions adhere to rigorous standards regarding the conservation, management, and promotion of their collections. During the ceremony, Mehdi Qotbi, the president of the National Foundation of Museums, emphasized that this label opens up new avenues for aligning Moroccan museums with international benchmarks and enhancing the national heritage in line with the royal vision that positions museums as centers of excellence and spaces for cultural transmission. He highlighted that thanks to the foundation's initiatives, museum spaces have transformed into vibrant cultural hubs, reflecting a collective commitment to professionalism and diligence.
Abdellatif Jouahri, the wali of Bank Al-Maghrib, noted that the museum has been dedicated for over two decades to ensuring that Moroccan numismatic and artistic heritage is accessible to all segments of the population, enabling citizens to trace the country's political, economic, cultural, and artistic history through its collections. He proudly mentioned the numerous partnerships established at both national and international levels aimed at preserving and showcasing this heritage.
Saïda Lamrani, president of the Mohammed Karim Lamrani Foundation and representative of the Nejjarine Museum, regarded this accolade as a recognition of efforts to restore the Nejjarine neighborhood, a true reflection of Morocco's cultural diversity. Similarly, Othman Lazraq, director of the Alliances Foundation and representative of the MACAAL, expressed his pride in receiving this label, celebrating a decade of the museum's impact on the African and international art scenes.
Lastly, Madison Cox, president of the Jardin Majorelle Foundation in Marrakech and representative of the Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé Museums, expressed honor in being among the first institutions to receive this distinction, asserting that it could inspire other museums to enhance their cultural contributions to the nation.
In a time when Morocco is asserting its presence on the international stage through the richness and diversity of its heritage, the 'Museum of Morocco' label serves as a vital tool to strengthen this momentum and highlight the excellence of the kingdom's museum institutions. The National Foundation of Museums is already encouraging all Moroccan museums to apply for this prestigious label to further contribute to the national cultural landscape.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
