Dar Batha Museum, Fes

Dar Batha Museum is on the Rue de la Musee, near the Bab Boujeloud, the main west entrance to the ancient, walled Fes el-Bali. The museum is a former royal palace of Fes. After the tenancy of the French authority in the palace ended in 1915, Dar Batha was converted to a museum of national art. It was the first museum in Morocco.

Dar Batha was commissioned and built in the reign of Hassan I, sultan of Morocco from 1873 to 1894. It is a one-story building of wood, brick and tiles. The style of construction is a mixture of Alouite, Moroccan and Moorish. Another palace, the Dar al-Baida, was a part of the same compound but it is now an unassociated official residence.

The initial collection of native art was transferred to the new museum from the Dar Adiyel, a former mansion in Fes el-Bali. In 1924 Dar Batha was classified as a national monument. The main entrance leads to a large courtyard. The courtyard is lined with galleries. The two wings of the museum are at the east and west ends the courtyard.

The courtyard is fitted with mosaics of colored zellij tiles and ornamental fountains. The galleries at the east and west ends have horseshoe arches of brick. The galleries at the other ends of the central garden are of painted wood. The garden has palm trees, jacarandas and hibiscus. It is often a venue for religious ceremonies and concerts.

Why You Should Visit:
While the museum doesn't have a huge collection on display, the palace itself is majestic and the Andalusian gardens are a tranquil haven if you want to get out from the bustle of the medina.

Tip:
As you go around the museum's exhibitions, don't forget to look up because the ceilings are amazing.