Marrakech: A Cultural Leader in North Africa
Marrakech has secured the twelfth position in the global ranking of the best cultural cities, surpassing Cairo and establishing itself as the leading cultural hub in North Africa. This prestigious ranking, published by _Time Out_, was derived from an extensive survey that gathered insights from 24,000 residents across 150 cities worldwide. The report highlights Marrakech's burgeoning appeal to art enthusiasts, showcasing its ability to integrate global influences into its vibrant cultural landscape.
Thriving Cultural Scene
The city's cultural attractiveness is fueled by a continuously expanding calendar of events. Notably, the African art fair 1-54 has been growing annually, extending its reach beyond the luxurious La Mamounia hotel to various galleries such as Le MAP and the Comptoir des Mines, alongside cultural foundations like MACAAL. Furthermore, cultural riads like El Fenn and IZZA play a pivotal role by hosting salons and exhibitions throughout the year, while the Yves Saint Laurent Museum becomes a focal point for concerts and lectures. Feedback from residents indicates that nearly 63% rate the cultural offerings as good or excellent, with an impressive 64% considering them affordable. While concerts and musical sessions at venues like Jajjah are notably accessible, it is the museums that residents cite as the highlight of the destination.
In contrast, Cairo, which ranks sixteenth in this international assessment, continues to gain visibility due to the recent opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum to the public in November 2025. Despite hosting spectacular events such as electronic music concerts in front of the Pyramids of Giza and outdoor exhibitions by Art d'Égypte, the city garnered a satisfaction score of 62% from its residents, ultimately falling behind its Moroccan counterpart.
As reported by bladi.net.
