Hello everyone!
In this post, I want to share with you a fascinating visit I made to Marrakech this morning. As I've mentioned in previous posts, the Place Jamaâ el-Fna is the vibrant heart of Marrakech, a place for meetings, shows and stories. But there is a museum devoted entirely to the intangible heritage of this legendary square! That's exactly what I discovered during my visit to the Jamaâ el-Fna Museum of Intangible Heritage, and I'm going to tell you all about it!
The scene was, as always, lively as soon as I arrived in the well-known square: singers, snake charmers, storytellers and street sellers livened every corner. Amid this amazing frenzy, I noticed the museum's subtly marked entrance. Nestled in the former Maghreb Bank, a structure from the French protectorate, this little museum provides a real window into the past and customs that have molded Jamaâ el-Fna Square over ages.
The welcome is friendly, the richness of the contents grabs me right away in the first rooms. The museum is divided into numerous sections covering the development of the square from its beginnings to its placement on UNESCO's intangible cultural legacy list. A really well created instructional film helped me to grasp this evolution across time.
The way this museum emphasizes oral history and current customs caught me most. We learn the significance of the halqa, the circle of onlookers that forms naturally around street artists. This custom has evolved Jamaâ el-Fna into an outdoor venue where stories, historical narratives, and popular knowledge are passed on since the 17th century.
Furthermore outstanding are the artworks on show in the museum. Every brushstroke in Marrakech appears to convey a tale, thus this is a real trip into the essence of the city.
I was pleasantly delighted to see several interactive games as I was moving between the several areas. These provide an interesting approach to get historical knowledge on the square and the city. The visit was especially more immersing since I answered the quizzes slowly and explored the multimedia stuff.
Another area of the museum is dedicated to films shot in Marrakech. The degree to which many foreign films have set their backdrop on the city intrigued me. Retrace this cinematic past in extracts and posters that highlight Marrakech's special appeal.
Though not very big, the museum is quite well-designed and meticulously recorded. My visit was about fifty minutes, spending time reading everything and interacting with the several components. For those pressed for time, covering it in 15 to 20 minutes is quite feasible, yet, it would be a shame to miss each revelation.
I liked this tour and would suggest it. Before meandering about the area and observing the artists in action, this is a fantastic introduction to the history and ethos of Jamaâ el-Fna.
I hope you enjoyed this little cultural visit! For me, this museum was a wonderful surprise and a valuable immersion in Marrakech's living heritage. I also hope you enjoyed the photos I took. If you've already visited this museum or Jamaâ el-Fna Square, don't hesitate to share your impressions in the comments. See you soon for another visit!
Photos taken by my own phone (Redmi Note 11).
