Historic Recognition for Moroccan Museums
On Wednesday, the inaugural 'Museum of Morocco' labels were awarded to various esteemed institutions, including the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rabat, during a ceremony that attracted numerous distinguished figures from the art and culture sector. This prestigious recognition was conferred by the National Museums Foundation (FNM), which aims to distinguish museums that meet specific criteria set forth by an official commission. In this first round of awards, five institutions were honored: the Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts in Fes, 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 International Standards
This certification, which is valid for four years and can be renewed, is given in accordance with existing legislative and regulatory provisions, confirming that the labeled institutions adhere to the required standards for collection conservation, management, and enhancement. The establishment of this labeling system aligns with the Royal Will to elevate Moroccan museums to international standards, reflecting Morocco's commitment to cultural excellence.
During the event, Mehdi Qotbi, the president of the National Museums Foundation, emphasized that this label opens new avenues for bringing Moroccan museums closer to international benchmarks and enhancing the visibility of national heritage. He reiterated that this initiative is part of the Royal Vision, which aims to position museums as 'institutions of excellence and spaces of meaning, beauty, and heritage transmission.'
Qotbi noted that, thanks to initiatives undertaken by the Foundation, Moroccan museums have evolved into vibrant cultural hubs. He asserted that the awarding of the 'Museum of Morocco' label is the culmination of collaborative efforts supported by a commission characterized by commitment, rigor, and professionalism.
Abdellatif Jouahri, the Wali of Bank Al-Maghrib, reflected on the museum's nearly two-decade endeavor to promote and share Moroccan numismatic and artistic heritage with diverse audiences. The museum's collections chronicle the political, economic, cultural, and artistic history of the nation. Expressing gratitude for this recognition, he highlighted the numerous initiatives the museum has undertaken in partnership with various stakeholders, both nationally and internationally, to preserve and promote Moroccan heritage.
Saida Lamrani, president of the Mohammed Karim Lamrani Foundation and representative of the Nejjarine Museum, remarked that this acknowledgment honors the efforts made to restore the Nejjarine district, an emblematic site that showcases the richness and diversity of Moroccan culture. Othman Lazraq, director of the Alliances Foundation and MACAAL representative, also expressed pride in receiving this label, which coincides with the museum's tenth anniversary on the artistic scene.
Similarly, Madison Cox, president of the Majorelle Garden Foundation in Marrakech, representing the Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé Museums of Berber Arts, expressed his honor in seeing these institutions among the first to receive this label. He acknowledged that this recognition could inspire other museums to contribute more to the cultural prominence of Morocco, validating the long-term efforts and ongoing work of all involved stakeholders.
As Morocco gradually strengthens its presence on the international cultural stage due to its rich heritage, the 'Museum of Morocco' label emerges as a critical lever to enhance this momentum and highlight the excellence of national museum institutions. This initiative also operates within the legal framework established by Law No. 56-20 concerning museums and Law No. 55.20, which modifies and complements Law No. 01.09 establishing the National Museums Foundation.
As reported by maroc-hebdo.com.
