Stroll Through The Exotic Majorelle Garden In Marrakesh And Visit The Islamic Art Museum

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Nestled behind high walls in the Villa Nouvelle area and just a short taxi ride from the central square in Marrakesh (Jemaa-el-Fna) lies the Majorelle Garden, an oasis of peace and tranquility, rich in exotic plant and bird life in the heart of the bustling city.

Designed by expatriate French Artist, Jacques Majorelle in 1924 and opened to the public in 1947, the Majorelle Garden is considered by many to be his greatest masterpiece.

Neglected and almost forgotten after Majorelle’s death in 1962, the garden was purchased by Yves St Laurent and Pierre Bergé in 1980. St Laurent and Bergé had visited and admired the garden previously and set to work to restore and replant it. Today, some 300 species of plants from 5 continents, including cacti (over 1800 examples), palms, bamboos, “pots in bloom” and aquatic plants are represented here. The vibrant combination of sub-tropical plants with water features and pots painted in a distinctive cobalt blue (named Blue Majorelle after the artist) has made it one of the most famous gardens in the world.

Majorelle’s studio, situated in the center of the garden and painted the signature Majorelle blue, was converted by St Laurent to house the Islamic Art Museum. Here, for an additional fee, visitors may stroll amongst North African textiles from St Laurent’s private collection, as well as ceramics, jewelery, weapons, carpets, woodworks and paintings by the garden’s creator.

The garden is relatively small and can get quite crowded later in the day so arrive early.

The gardens are open daily: Summer: 8am - 5pm / Winter 8am - 6pm.