Musee Tiskiwin, Marrakech

Marrakech has some excellent museums and the Musée Tiskiwin, which stands on Rue de la Bahia, is among the most fascinating. The structure itself is not as impressive as (e.g.) the Bahia Palace, but again, it gives you an idea of 19th-century Spanish/Moroccan architecture - the former property of Dutch anthropologist and art historian Bert-Flint, who began his superb collection in 1946, with the museum having opened its doors in 1996.

Inside, you will find the finest examples of Moroccan arts, carpets, tents, musical instruments, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, basketwork, textiles and furniture not only from the area but also from villages and settlements along the legendary trans-Saharan "Gold Route". The maze of small rooms within this former riad offers a fascinating "physical" tour from Marrakech to the Touareg region of Algeria and Niger, and on to Mali and Timbuktu before heading back to Morocco via Mauritania.

Mr. Flint (who can still from time to time be glimpsed on the premises) wasn't just happy spreading out his collection and sticking a name and date on it. Being an anthropologist and a historian, he has studied not only the details but the ethnology of each piece. Make sure you pick up one of the photo-copied booklets at the reception desk, as these clearly guide you through the origin and the history of every item, which makes the visit all the more interesting.

Why You Should Visit:
Eclectic and eccentric – it would never win any museum design award but very interesting content.
The setting is small and intimate and doesn't seem to attract large tour groups.
There is a lovely courtyard that you find as you finish viewing the collection.

Tip:
The Berber tent made totally out of camel hair is an unmistakable must-see!