Gueliz, otherwise known as the New City (Nouvelle Ville), is more like the downtown of Marrakech. Here you will definitely feel the western influence: McDonald's, KFC, brand stores, and even a supermarket. However Gueliz is also famous for its galleries and parks. Find what are the things that make Gueliz unique by taking the tour below.
1) Jnane El Harti
Jnane El Harti is a public park with a special playground for kids. This green area is famous for its big dinosaurs, climbing frame, and swings. There are also several fountains and, of course, a lot of space to wander around while eating ice cream. The park is located in Gueliz just across the street from McDonald's.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Roman-K
2) Royal Theater
Opened in 2001, the Royal Theater is a very popular cultural venue in Marrakech. Located in Gueliz, it is also known as an important architectural site in the area. The place features a 1200-seat open-air amphitheater and an 800-seat concert hall/opera house.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and gildemax
3) Matisse Art Gallery
Founded by Nabil El Mellouki and Youssef Falaki, Matisse Art Gallery displays the works of talented and well-known Moroccan artists, such as Chater Nourredine, Mohamed Melehi, and Hassan El Glaoui. The gallery was founded in 1999. The building which houses the gallery can be easily recognized by its striking marble front.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Gandalf's Gallery
4) Noir sur Blanc Gallery
Noir sur Blanc Gallery is located in the New City of Marrakech, Gueliz. It is a contemporary art gallery featuring talented artists from all over Morocco. You can see here the calligraphic paintings of Marrakshis Larbi Cherkaoui, as well as the works of Binebine, Bourkia, Yamou, Nadim, and Laffont. This art space features three separate showrooms where all sort of workshops, exhibitions, and meetings take place.
5) Photo 127 Gallery
The Photo 127 Gallery is Morocco's only gallery which focuses on photographic art. The gallery is located on the second floor of the building at 127 Ave Mohammed V, Gueliz. The interior design of the place is rather simple and industrial. The works exhibited here feature various photographic styles.
6) Gallery Re
Gallery Re is located on the corner of Mosque and Ibn Toummert streets. The gallery is housed in the two-story building, the Al Andalous III Residence. Here you'll find works executed by emerging Moroccan artists, such as M'barek Bouhchichi and Marrakshi Touria Othman.
Image Courtesy of Dounia Lamrani
7) Majorelle Villa
Also known as the Blue Maison, Majorelle Villa once belonged to the french painter Jacques Majorelle. Since the 1980s the villa property is home to the Museum of Islamic Art, housed in Majorelle's former art studio. Beautiful Majorelle Garden surrounds the museum and the villa.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Tipiac
8) Majorelle Garden
Designed in 1924 by Jacques Majorelle, Majorelle Garden is the most famous botanical garden in Marrakech. Vibrant and vivid colors, unusual shades, picturesque views, and rare plants all combine together within the Majorelle Garden. Also you can find here 15 types of rare North African birds. All in all, this place seems to be Marrakech's own piece of paradise.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and gildemax
9) La Qoubba Galerie d'Art
Whether you are an art lover or just looking forward to discovering Moroccan art, La Qoubba Galerie d'Art is the right place for you to visit. Here you will find paintings from all over the country, all reflecting modern and postmodern styles. The gallery is located not far from the Marrakech Museum.