Marrakech is a city that has inspired many artists, writers, and designers with its vibrant colors, rich culture, and stunning architecture. One of the most famous figures who fell in love with Marrakech was Yves Saint Laurent, the legendary French fashion designer who revolutionized the world of haute couture.
Yves Saint Laurent first visited Marrakech in 1966 with his partner Pierre Bergé, and was captivated by its beauty and diversity. He bought a house in the medina, and later acquired the Jardin Majorelle, a botanical garden created by the painter Jacques Majorelle. He spent many years in Marrakech, drawing inspiration from its people, landscapes, and traditions for his collections.
To honor his legacy and celebrate his connection with Marrakech, a museum dedicated to his work and life was opened in 2017, next to the Jardin Majorelle. The Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech (or MYSLM for short) is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in fashion, art, and history. It showcases more than 50 years of Yves Saint Laurent’s creative genius, from his iconic designs to his personal objects and sketches.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech.
What to Expect from Your Visit to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech
The Architecture of the Museum
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech is a modern and elegant building that blends harmoniously with its surroundings. It was designed by Studio KO, a French architectural firm that has also worked on other prestigious projects in Morocco. The museum covers an area of 4,000 square meters, and features a facade made of terracotta bricks that evoke the local craftsmanship and the colors of the city.
The Permanent Exhibition
The museum has several spaces that offer different perspectives on Yves Saint Laurent’s work and life. The main attraction is the permanent exhibition hall, where you can admire more than 1000 pieces from his collections, ranging from dresses, suits, jackets, accessories, jewelry, and shoes. The exhibition is organized thematically, highlighting some of his most famous creations, such as:
- The Mondrian dress, inspired by the geometric paintings of Piet Mondrian
- The safari jacket, influenced by his travels to Africa
- The tuxedo for women, a symbol of his emancipation of feminine fashion
- The Le Smoking suit, a reinterpretation of the classic men’s suit for women
- The Ballets Russes collection, a tribute to his passion for theater and dance
- The Moroccan collection, a reflection of his love for Marrakech and its culture
The exhibition not only showcases his iconic designs, but also reveals the creative process and the influences behind each piece. You can see photos, videos, sketches, drawings, and documents that illustrate his inspiration and vision. Some of his personal objects, such as his glasses, his sketchbooks, his scissors, and his thimble, are also on display.
The Temporary Exhibition
Another highlight of the museum is the temporary exhibition hall, where you can discover different aspects of Yves Saint Laurent’s artistic universe. The temporary exhibitions change regularly and showcase various themes related to fashion, art, photography, design, and culture. For example, some of the past exhibitions include:
- Dreams of the Orient: an exhibition that explored Yves Saint Laurent’s fascination with Asian cultures and aesthetics
- Betty Catroux: an exhibition that celebrated one of Yves Saint Laurent’s muses and closest friends
- Jacques Majorelle: an exhibition that presented the works of the painter who created the Jardin Majorelle
The Auditorium
The museum offers more than just exhibitions. It also has an auditorium that hosts cultural events such as concerts, lectures, screenings, and performances. The auditorium has a capacity of 150 seats and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
The Library
The museum has a library that contains more than 6000 books related to fashion, art, literature, history, and Morocco. The library is open to researchers and students who want to learn more about Yves Saint Laurent’s work and legacy.
The Bookstore
Finally, the museum has a bookstore that sells books, catalogs, posters, postcards, and souvenirs related to Yves Saint Laurent and Marrakech. You can find some exclusive products designed by local artisans as well.
For the Tourist: Making the Most of Your Visit
Location and Timing:
The museum is located on Rue Yves Saint Laurent and is open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM, except Wednesdays.
Souvenirs and Books:
The museum’s boutique-library is a treasure trove for fashion enthusiasts. From books on Yves Saint Laurent’s life and work to exclusive souvenirs, there’s something for everyone.
What to See and Do Nearby
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech is located in a lively and charming area that offers many other attractions and activities to enjoy. Here are some of our suggestions:
- Visit the Berber Museum: This museum is located inside the Jardin Majorelle and showcases the rich and diverse culture of the Berber people, who are the indigenous inhabitants of Morocco. The museum displays more than 600 objects, such as jewelry, costumes, weapons, pottery, carpets, and musical instruments. The museum also has a temporary exhibition hall that hosts various events and shows related to Berber art and history.
- Explore the Medina: The medina is the old town of Marrakech, where you can immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the city. The medina is a maze of narrow streets, alleys, souks, mosques, palaces, and riads. You can wander around and discover the hidden gems of the medina, such as:
- The Koutoubia Mosque: This is the largest and most famous mosque in Marrakech, built in the 12th century. It has a stunning minaret that dominates the skyline of the city. The mosque is not open to non-Muslims, but you can admire its exterior architecture and its beautiful gardens.
- The Bahia Palace: This is a magnificent palace that was built in the 19th century by a powerful vizier. It has more than 150 rooms, decorated with intricate mosaics, carved wood, stained glass, and marble. The palace also has a large courtyard and a lush garden with orange trees and fountains.
- Shop at the Souks: The souks are the traditional markets of Marrakech, where you can find everything from spices, leather goods, carpets, pottery, lamps, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs. The souks are divided into different sections according to the products they sell, such as Souk Semmarine (the main street), Souk el-Attarine (the perfume market), Souk el-Kebir (the leather market), Souk el-Siyyaghin (the jewelry market), Souk el-Haddadine (the metalwork market), Souk el-Chouari (the basketry market), Souk el-Khazanin (the clothing market), Souk el-Berrima (the pottery market), Souk el-Cherratine (the bookbinding market), Souk el-Zrabi (the carpet market), and Souk el-Mouassine (the antiques market). You can bargain with the vendors to get the best prices, but be respectful and polite.
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum is not just a tribute to a fashion icon but a celebration of Marrakech’s influence on his work. Whether you’re a fashion aficionado or a casual visitor, the museum offers a unique journey into the world of haute couture and the genius of Yves Saint Laurent.