In Marrakech’s Mouassine quarter, this music museum introduces Moroccan and North African traditions through instruments, recordings, photographs and explanatory displays. It occupies a restored historic riad, where carved woodwork, stucco decoration and recovered details of the original house are part of the visit. Upstairs, you can try playing instruments, then take a break on the rooftop terrace, which has a cafe serving local dishes. Concerts of Andalusian and Amazigh music take place on selected evenings, adding a live dimension to the collection.
Music from across Morocco
The collection introduces musical traditions from different parts of Morocco and North Africa. Instruments, recordings, photographs and explanatory displays give context to the sounds and the communities connected to them. The material covers traditions including Arab-Andalusian, Amazigh and Gnaoua music, as well as classical and spiritual music.
Instruments on display include ouds, rebabs, drums and qraqeb. Recordings and visual material help place these objects within musical traditions, while displays trace music across regions and periods. The museum also includes information about how Moroccan music connects with wider African and Andalusian influences.
A restored riad in Mouassine
The museum is housed in a sixteenth-century building in the historic Mouassine quarter. Restoration work uncovered original architectural details beneath later plaster and additions. Stucco decoration and finely worked wood can be seen in the rooms, alongside photographs showing aspects of the building’s restoration.
The house is also an example of traditional Moroccan domestic architecture associated with the Saadi dynasty. A small douria, or guest apartment, is part of the building. Its design offers a glimpse of how a traditional home could include a separate space for visitors.
Try an instrument and visit the terrace
An upstairs room is set aside for trying some of the instruments. It gives the visit a hands-on element alongside the collection and its explanatory displays. The rooftop terrace is another place to pause, with a cafe serving local dishes and tea. The building’s upper levels and rooms are part of the experience, so leave time to explore beyond the main displays.
Concerts and a second museum
Live performances bring some of the traditions in the collection into the room. Concerts are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, including performances of Andalusian and Amazigh music. Booking ahead is advisable because seats can fill up. The museum is also paired with the Museum of Photography: one ticket grants entry to both, making it practical to visit the two collections on the same outing.
FAQ
Does the ticket include the Museum of Photography?
Yes. One ticket grants entry to the Museum of Mouassine Music and the Museum of Photography.
When are concerts held?
Concerts take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Booking ahead is recommended because they can fill up.
Can you play the instruments?
Yes. An upstairs room lets visitors try some of the instruments.
How long should you spend at the museum?
Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the exhibits, restored riad, music room and terrace.
