Smart Self-Managed Tours

Museum · Marrakesh

Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL)

Editorial responsibility: Elena Voss · SSMTour Travel Editor

Photograph

A photograph of Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL)
Photograph · Fraguando · CC BY-SA 4.0
Today
Open today, 10:00 – 18:00
Visit duration
1 hr 30 min
Accessibility
Step-free
Price
MAD 120.00 per person
Standing
Must see
Rank
Rank 21 of 893

Place details and sources

This place is a Museum.

Official website
macaal.org OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Telephone
+212 6 76 92 44 92 OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Address
Al Maaden, Sidi Youssef Ben Ali, 40000 OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Type of place
Museum OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09

About Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL)

The Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden, known locally as MACAAL, is a contemporary art museum in Marrakesh. It focuses on African art and artists, serving as a cultural institution dedicated to promoting contemporary artistic production from across the African continent. The museum is situated in the Al Maaden district, an area that has developed as a destination for arts and golf tourism south of the historic medina. Wednesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00; closed Monday and Tuesday. The operator separately publishes Ramadan hours of 10:00–15:30. General adult admission is 120 MAD per person and includes the museum, its exhibitions and Al Maaden Sculpture Park.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What's inside

MACAAL houses a collection of contemporary African art across various media. The museum presents exhibitions featuring works by established and emerging African artists. Its programming includes temporary exhibitions and displays from its permanent collection. The institution emphasizes art from the African continent and its diaspora. Visitors can expect to encounter painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and digital media. The building itself provides gallery spaces designed for contemporary art presentation. The operator separately publishes Ramadan hours of 10:00–15:30. General adult admission is 120 MAD per person and includes the museum, its exhibitions and Al Maaden Sculpture Park.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

How long to spend

A typical visit to MACAAL requires approximately one to two hours for viewing the exhibitions at a considered pace. Visitors with strong interest in contemporary African art may wish to allocate additional time for detailed examination of individual works. The museum's scale is moderate compared to major metropolitan institutions. Those combining MACAAL with other Al Maaden area attractions should plan accordingly. Transport logistics to this location factor into overall time planning. General adult admission is 120 MAD per person and includes the museum, its exhibitions and Al Maaden Sculpture Park.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Season and crowds

Visitors should consult the official website at macaal.org for current scheduling before planning their visit. Marrakesh experiences extremely hot summers, making climate-controlled indoor venues preferable during peak heat periods. The winter months offer milder temperatures for travel throughout the region. Cultural institutions in Marrakesh may adjust schedules during Ramadan and other significant periods. Wednesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00; closed Monday and Tuesday. The museum is at Al Maaden, Sidi Youssef Ben Ali, 40000 Marrakech. The operator advises allowing 10–20 minutes for a taxi to arrive; reception can arrange one or assist with departure.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Tickets

Prospective visitors must verify current ticket costs through macaal.org or direct contact. Contemporary art museums in Morocco employ varied pricing structures, potentially including differential rates for residents and international visitors. Some institutions offer reduced or complimentary admission on specific days. Group rates may apply with advance arrangement. General adult admission is 120 MAD per person and includes the museum, its exhibitions and Al Maaden Sculpture Park. The operator states that MACAAL is fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. It includes admission to the museum, its exhibitions and Al Maaden Sculpture Park.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Getting there

MACAAL occupies the Al Maaden district, located south of Marrakesh's historic medina and distinct from the concentrated tourist zone. The museum is not accessible on foot from central medina accommodations. Private vehicle, taxi, or arranged transport represents the practical access method. The museum is at Al Maaden, Sidi Youssef Ben Ali, 40000 Marrakech. The operator advises allowing 10–20 minutes for a taxi to arrive; reception can arrange one or assist with departure. It includes admission to the museum, its exhibitions and Al Maaden Sculpture Park. Children under 12 and students enter free with valid proof; African residents or nationals pay 60 MAD with proof.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What to watch out for

The Al Maaden district's resort character creates a removed experience from Marrakesh's traditional urban environment. Visitors seeking medina atmosphere will find this location geographically and culturally separate. Dining and service options concentrate around resort facilities with associated pricing. The museum's contemporary focus may not satisfy those expecting traditional Moroccan artistic expression. Transport costs add substantially to overall visit expense. The operator states that MACAAL is fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Children under 12 and students enter free with valid proof; African residents or nationals pay 60 MAD with proof.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Photography

Visitors must observe posted regulations or inquire upon entry. Contemporary art museums frequently restrict photography of specific works due to artist rights or conservation requirements. Flash photography is typically prohibited in all gallery environments. Some institutions permit non-flash personal photography while banning commercial or promotional imaging. Smartphone photography may face different rules than dedicated camera equipment. Visitors should respect any staff instructions regarding image-making. Social media sharing of permitted photographs should acknowledge the institution and artists appropriately. Yes. Guided tours must be booked in advance at reception or by emailing [email protected].

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Common questions

What does the standard admission ticket include?

It includes admission to the museum, its exhibitions and Al Maaden Sculpture Park.

Who qualifies for free admission?

Children under 12 and students enter free with valid proof; African residents or nationals pay 60 MAD with proof.

Do guided tours require advance booking?

Yes. Guided tours must be booked in advance at reception or by emailing [email protected].

When did MACAAL reopen after its major refurbishment?

The museum reopened to the public on 2 February 2025 with a new permanent display.

What is shown in the permanent collection exhibition?

Seven Contours, One Collection presents more than 150 works selected from a collection of over 2,000 artworks.

What additional visitor spaces are available?

A space connected to the MACAAL Café and terrace contains a contemporary African-art library for open consultation and the BNM new-media facility.

Where it is

Nearby

Within 40 min on foot
  • Agdal Gardens 1 hour
    32 min walk

    Agdal Gardens

    • Must see · Heritage site
    • Nature site
  • Bab Ahmer 45 min
    38 min walk

    Bab Ahmer

    • Must see · Heritage site
    • Historic monument
  • Jardin de l'Agdal 45 min
    40 min walk

    Jardin de l'Agdal

    • High
    • Historic monument

Last updated:

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors ·