Musée de La Femme (Women’s Museum) – Marrakesh, Morocco
Musée de La Femme swung open its doors in September 2018. It’s the first of its kind not only in Morocco, but in all of North Africa.
Located in the heart of Marrakesh’s medina in the historical Sidi Abdelaziz quarter, the Musée de La Femme is home to a variety of thematic exhibitions that highlight the creative spirit of Moroccan women and their cultural contributions around the world. Visitors can learn about the historical, social, and political impact of women’s art within the Moroccan landscape through a revolving line-up of cross-genre exhibitions.
From contemporary painters, activists, filmmakers, and poets to traditional craftswomen, textile weavers, and fashion designers, the museum highlights a wide scope of artistic achievement. The feminist museum is not only focused on exhibiting contemporary “high” art, but also uses the space to showcase women’s invaluable contributions in the domestic realm, too. The museum’s debut exhibition, for instance, was dedicated to the daily life and artwork of rural women, emphasizing the tropes of family, community, and village lifestyle.
While the exhibition space isn’t particularly large, according to Lonely Planet, “the passionate staff make a visit here worthwhile.” Visitors can meander through three exhibitions floors, including traditional Moroccan fashion and textile collections, which the staff updates every few months.
Musée de La Femme’s exhibition as of June 2019, entitled “Pioneer Women,” highlights three women who helped lay the foundations for contemporary Morocco: politician and education advocate Malika Al-Fassi; documentary filmmaker Izza Genini; and artist Rachida Touijri. “Pioneer Women” runs until September 2019.
