On Wednesday, a significant milestone was achieved in the realm of Moroccan culture and heritage with the official presentation of the inaugural 'Museum of Morocco' label at the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rabat. This event, organized by the National Museum Foundation (FNM), honors five distinguished museums across the kingdom that have met specific criteria set forth by an expert committee.
The awarded institutions include the 'Carpenters Museum of Arts and Wood Crafts' in Fez, the 'Bank of Morocco Museum' located in the capital, Rabat, and three museums in Marrakech: the African Contemporary Art Museum (MACAAL), the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and the Pierre Bergé Museum of Amazigh Arts. The 'Museum of Morocco' label is valid for four years and can be renewed, signifying that these institutions adhere to the standards related to the preservation, management, and enhancement of their heritage collections.
This initiative is framed within the legal context established by Law No. 56-20 concerning museums and Law No. 55.20, which amends Law No. 01.09 establishing the National Museum Foundation. According to the National Museum Foundation, this measure reflects the royal will and ambition to elevate Moroccan museums to international standards, ensuring the creation of high-quality institutions that honor the richness and diversity of Morocco's cultural heritage.
The accreditation committee, chaired by Mehdi Qotbi, President of the National Museum Foundation, included members such as Mustafa Jlouk, Director of Cultural Heritage at the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, and other esteemed professionals from various cultural sectors. Qotbi expressed pride in the event, stating, "Today is a day of pride and honor as we celebrate the delivery of the first 'Museum of Morocco' labels. These labels have been awarded to significant museums that contribute to the cultural landscape of our heritage."
He emphasized that this initiative aligns with the high directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who envisions Moroccan museums as institutions of excellence, spaces of meaning and beauty, and beacons for transmitting national heritage. Furthermore, Qotbi underlined that this new perspective provides vast opportunities to elevate national museums to meet international standards while promoting and valuing Morocco's rich, modern, and contemporary heritage under optimal conditions.
Abdelatif Jouahri, the Governor of Bank Al-Maghrib, highlighted the importance of the ceremony that recognized several national museums, including the Bank of Morocco Museum. He expressed his great satisfaction with this accolade, which is the result of diligent work and ongoing coordination with the National Museum Foundation over many years. In his remarks, Jouahri reaffirmed the museum's commitment to being accessible to all segments of Moroccan society, particularly the youth and school students, to explore the treasures housed within their museums that reflect the political, economic, and cultural history of their country.
In addition, Madison Cox, President of the Majorelle Garden Foundation in Marrakech, expressed his delight in receiving two distinguished labels for the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the Pierre Bergé Museum of Amazigh Arts. He praised this initiative launched by King Mohammed VI as unprecedented, stating, "We are honored to be among the first cultural institutions in Morocco to receive this prestigious label." Cox emphasized the extraordinary efforts made to meet the rigorous standards required for the label, thanking the teams at their Marrakech museums for their hard work in fulfilling all requirements.
This recognition serves as a crucial lever to enhance the visibility of Moroccan museums on the international stage, encouraging the National Museum Foundation to motivate all Moroccan museums to submit their applications for this prestigious label, thereby contributing to the national cultural radiance. The 'Museum of Morocco' label not only celebrates the rich traditions of Moroccan culture but also sets a standard for excellence in the museum sector across the kingdom.
As reported by hespress.com.
