Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Rabat (must see)

The Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMVI) is a landmark institution in Rabat, dedicated to showcasing modern and contemporary art from Morocco and beyond. Established in 2014 under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, the museum is part of the National Foundation of Museums of Morocco and represents a major milestone in the country's cultural landscape. It was the first large-scale museum built in Morocco since its independence from France in 1956.

The museum’s mission is to preserve, study, and promote Moroccan artistic heritage, curating a diverse collection of works by over 200 Moroccan artists, including Hassan Hajjaj and Ahmed Yacoubi. Through its exhibitions, it also introduces international audiences to the evolution of Moroccan plastic and visual arts from the 20th century to the present. The museum plays an active role in educating younger generations, fostering artistic appreciation, and supporting scientific research in the arts.

The inaugural exhibition, 1914–2014: 100 Years of Creation, set the tone for MMVI’s dedication to chronicling Morocco’s artistic evolution. The museum also works in close connection with other major cultural institutions, such as the National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Mohammed V National Theatre, forming part of a broader cultural infrastructure in Rabat.

The museum, built over ten years, blends Arab-Moorish aesthetics with a modern vision. Its white façade with double-arched colonnades creates a striking identity, while a chromatic façade showcases large-scale Moroccan artworks. At night, it comes alive with vibrant light projections.

Inside, natural light shapes an inviting space with atriums, open patios, and varied ceiling heights. A central atrium hosts exhibitions and events, surrounded by a tea room, bookshop, workshops, and an auditorium. Handcrafted details link Morocco’s artisanal heritage with its modern artistic vision.

Beyond being a repository of art, the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is a living space for artistic dialogue and education. It fosters engagement with contemporary Moroccan creativity, ensuring that art remains an accessible and integral part of the nation’s evolving identity.