Musee de Marrakech (Marrakech Museum), Marrakech

Housed in the 19th century Dar Menebhi Palace, which was beautifully restored in 1997 by the Omar Benjelloun Foundation, the Musée de Marrakech is worth visiting to see one of the best examples of Arab/Spanish architecture.

With its calming fountains, seating areas and detailed tile work, the central courtyard, which functions as the museum's atrium, was once open to the sky but now has been covered with glass. Its show-stopper is, undoubtedly, the huge hanging chandelier made of metal shards, each one delicately decorated with inscriptions and geometric symbols.

The side rooms around the courtyard have lovely painted wooden ceilings and house several pieces of interest, such as historical books and manuscripts, jewel-encrusted daggers and swords, clothes, coins, carpets and pottery from Arab, Berber and Jewish civilizations. The museum also holds temporary exhibitions on modern Moroccan art, but sadly, the explanations of each item, along with those in the permanent exhibition, are all in Arabic/French.

Why You Should Visit:
As long as you don't go inside expecting a historical museum experience, you will enjoy a stop here.
The interior courtyard is stunning with beautiful tiled floors, elegant arches and wonderful decoration.

Tip:
Don't miss the delightful courtyard café offering a shady peaceful spot to enjoy a mint tea and some 'gazelle horn' almond pastries. You don't have to enter the museum to drink/eat there, so it is worth going just for the refreshment.