The Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech is one of the city’s main cultural attractions and a must-see for lovers of fashion, art and architecture. Located close to the famous Majorelle Gardens, the museum pays tribute to one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century, Yves Saint Laurent, whose work continues to inspire and fascinate generations of designers and artists.
History of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech
The opening of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech in October 2017 is the fruit of the deep bond between Yves Saint Laurent and the city of Marrakech. The famous French couturier discovered Marrakech in 1966 and instantly fell under the spell of its colours, light and creative energy. With his partner Pierre Bergé, he later acquired the Villa Oasis, adjacent to the Majorelle Gardens, which they restored and where they spent many creative and rejuvenating moments.
The idea of building a museum dedicated to the work of Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech was a long-standing project, brought to fruition thanks to the Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent Foundation. The museum is designed to be much more than just an exhibition space; it reflects Saint Laurent’s visionary spirit, while paying tribute to the Moroccan culture that profoundly influenced his work.
Remarkable architecture
The architecture of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech is reason enough to visit. Designed by French architects Studio KO, the building is a work of art in itself, combining modernity with traditional Moroccan materials. The museum’s exterior evokes the textures of textiles, a nod to the world of fashion, while the interior is more sober and uncluttered, recalling the geometric lines that characterised Saint Laurent’s creations.
The 4,000 m² building houses not only exhibition spaces, but also an auditorium, a library specialising in literature and the arts, a bookshop and a coffee place. The museum is designed to be a space for cultural encounters and exchanges, while highlighting the artistic legacy of Yves Saint Laurent.
The Permanent Exhibition
The heart of the Musée Yves Saint Laurent is undoubtedly its permanent exhibition dedicated to the designer’s creations. The collection includes over 5,000 haute couture pieces, 15,000 accessories and thousands of sketches and photographs. Among the most emblematic pieces on display are legendary designs such as the famous dinner jacket for women (created in 1966), dresses inspired by Mondrian and Picasso, and creations influenced by Moroccan and North African culture.
The exhibition is designed to immerse visitors in the creative world of Yves Saint Laurent. Each piece is displayed in a modern, theatrical setting, accompanied by a carefully considered soundtrack and lighting to create an intense emotional experience. The layout of the collections also shows the extent to which Saint Laurent revolutionised women’s fashion, freeing women from the constraints of dress and integrating masculine elements into their wardrobes.
Temporary Exhibitions and Other Cultural Spaces
In addition to the permanent exhibition, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech also hosts temporary exhibitions, highlighting various aspects of Moroccan art, design, photography and culture. These exhibitions renew the visitor’s experience while bringing Saint Laurent’s work into dialogue with other forms of artistic expression.
The museum also has a 150-seat auditorium, where documentaries and films on fashion are screened, as well as lectures on art and culture. This venue, which is open to visitors, helps to make the museum a true cultural centre, as well as a tribute to the great couturier.
Yves Saint Laurent and Marrakech: A Love Story
To understand the importance of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech, it is important to understand Yves Saint Laurent’s intimate relationship with the city. The creative energy and vivid colours of Marrakech had a profound influence on his collections. Saint Laurent often said that Marrakech liberated him as a designer, and he returned there every year for inspiration.
The city, with its colourful souks, lush gardens and intense light, is omnipresent in some of his creations. The caftans, evening dresses in flamboyant hues, and even some of the accessories, bear the imprint of Moroccan craftsmanship. Majorelle blue, the characteristic shade of the Jardins Majorelle, has become a key element in some of her collections.
Why visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech ?
The Musée Yves Saint Laurent is a must-see not only for fashion lovers, but also for those interested in Moroccan art, architecture and culture. Here’s why :
- A journey through the world of fashion : the permanent exhibition explores the development of Yves Saint Laurent’s career, from his first collections to his most iconic creations.
- Modern, inspiring architecture : The museum building is a remarkable work of architecture that blends perfectly into Marrakech’s unique setting.
- A tribute to Moroccan craftsmanship : The museum highlights the links between Saint Laurent and Morocco, particularly through the influence of Moroccan craftsmanship in his creations.
- A complete cultural experience: in addition to the collections, the museum offers temporary exhibitions, lectures, screenings and other cultural events.
Practical informations for your visit
- Opening times : The museum is open every day from 10am to 6pm, except Wednesdays.
- Admission : Admission is generally around 100 dirhams (around €9) for adults, with reduced rates for students and children. It is also possible to buy a combined ticket to visit both the museum and the Majorelle Gardens.
- Access : The museum is located near the Majorelle Gardens, in the Guéliz district of Marrakech. It is accessible by taxi or on foot from the centre of the medina.
