Visiting Casablanca? Let us surprise you with our cultural offerings!
As the economic capital of Maroc, Casablanca is not only home to modern buildings, but also a rich cultural scene. From the majestic Hassan II Mosque Museum to the unique collections of the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, not to mention the many contemporary art galleries, Casablanca is sure to surprise you.
In this article, find our selection of the best museums in Casablanca and other cultural recommendations, in pictures!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our favorite museums in Casablanca: tips
In this article, we describe our experiences at 3 of Casablanca’s favorite museums:
- The Hassan II Mosque Museum: discover the secrets of this monumental architectural feat and Moroccan craftsmanship.
- The Museum of Moroccan Judaism: for its uniqueness in the Arab world and its moving testimony to Moroccan Jewish history.
- The Abderrahman Slaoui Museum: for its exceptional private collection and its café overlooking the Sacré-Coeur Church.
Discover our other cultural favourites, such as the Habous district!
Here’s a map to help you find your way around the city:
1. Hassan II Mosque Museum
Why visit it? Our review
Casablanca’s signature landmark, the Hassan II Mosque stands out as the only mosque in the world to open its doors to non-Muslim visitors – an opportunity not to be missed! An architectural masterpiece built between 1987 and 1993, it impresses first and foremost with its 210-metre minaret, the highest in the world. As well as visiting the building itself, the Hassan II Mosque Foundation Museum allows you to appreciate in minute detail the goldsmith’s work accomplished by 10,000 Moroccan craftsmen. You’ll discover an exceptional collection, now classified as national heritage, of samples once given to the late S.M. Hassan II by master craftsmen during construction.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The monumental prayer room, with its spectacular Venetian chandeliers and retractable roof that lets in natural light,
- Details of craftsmanship: motifs in zellige, Agadir marble, Atlas cedar wood, traditional “tadelakt” derived from ancestral Berber know-how.
- The esplanade facing the ocean offers a breathtaking view of the Atlantic and the opportunity to extend the visit to the adjacent media library.
Useful tips
- Access: Between the port and the El Hank lighthouse
- Length of visit: 1h for the guided tour, then a further 30min to 1h for a stroll around the esplanade and the media library.
- Child-friendly: yes, family-friendly guided tour
- Full adult fare: 140 dhs (MAD) for non-Moroccan adults
- Openinghours: Saturday to Thursday visits at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 and 15:00; Friday at 9:00, 10:00 and 15:00
- Visit the official website for more info here
Include this must-see tour in a half-day exploration of Casablanca and its heritage!
WHERE TO STAY IN Casablanca
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Corniche / Aïn Diab
Four Seasons Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Gauthier / Sidi Belyout
Hôtel Le DOGE Relais & Châteaux – See prices, photos and availability
2. The Museum of Moroccan Judaism
Why visit it? Our review
Opened in 1997 as the first museum of Judaism in the Arab world, the Musée du Judaïsme Marocain is one of a kind. Here, you’ll discover an exceptional collection of religious objects, as well as jewelry and ceremonial outfits for Jewish brides, identical to Berber goldsmiths’ work, creating a captivating bridge between cultures.
One of the museum’s original features is its recreations of scenes from traditional life, with authentic furniture, notably circumcision chairs, and synagogues illustrating architectural evolution before and after European influence.
The tour continues with temporary exhibitions featuring visual arts, photography and installations, promoting intercultural dialogue.
Our 3 favorite moments
- Traditional objects of worship: Torah scrolls with precious ornamentation, finely carved synagogue and Hanukkah lamps,
- Traditional bridal wear staged with dolls, revealing the specificities of each city in Maroc,
- The David Serero donation, which considerably enriches the permanent collection with exceptional works of art.
See more photos in our article!
Useful tips
- Access: Oasis district, T1 line to Gare de l’Oasis stop 15min walk away
- Length of visit: 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interests
- Suitable for children: yes, to discover part of Moroccan history
- Full adult price: 50 dhs (MAD) – ticket includes access to the El Mellah Museum adjacent to the synagogue in the medina on the same day
- Openinghours: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm
- Visit the official website for more info here
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Maroc
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Adapt your choice of vehicle to your itinerary!
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
3. Abderrahman Slaoui Museum
Why visit it? Our review
Treat yourself to a fascinating dive into Moroccan arts and crafts at the Musée de la Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui. Located opposite the Sacré-Coeur Church, this museum houses an exceptional private collection of paintings, old posters from the colonial period, jewelry and ceramics. We were struck by the richness of the permanent collections and the quality of the temporary exhibitions, which are renewed every quarter. You can end your visit with a relaxing break in the café on the top floor, in an atmosphere tinged with nostalgia, where walls adorned with period advertisements interact with a beautiful view of Casablanca’s former Sacré-Coeur church.
Our 3 favorite moments
- Vintage advertising posters that elegantly tell the story of Maroc and its economic metropolis,
- A collection of jewelry and ceramics testifying to the excellence of Moroccan craftsmanship through the ages,
- The top-floor café offers a gourmet break with a breathtaking view of the Sacré-Coeur Church in a captivating retro decor.
Useful tips
- Access: near Mohammed V tramway station (line T1)
- Length of visit: 1h30 to 2h depending on your interests
- Suitable for children: yes, the colorful and varied collections can be of interest to children.
- Full adult fare: 60 dhs (MAD) public fare; 40 dhs (MAD) Moroccan citizens and foreigners resident in Morocco
- Openinghours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Saturday, including public holidays (except for Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and Eid Al Mawlid).
- Visit the official website for more info here
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Maroc
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Adapt your choice of vehicle to your itinerary!
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
Other museums in Casablanca
Here are a few additional ideas to enhance your stay in Casablanca:
- Musée de la Villa des Arts: contemporary art exhibition in a 1934 Art Deco villa (see official website here).
- Dar Al Ala Museum: dedicated to traditional Moorish-Andalusian music, where you can discover instruments and attend cultural performances (see official website here).
- Museum of Memory: to open in 2025, housed in the Villa Karl Fick, the 1st colonial villa built in 1910, and recounting the city’s history.
- Myriem Himmich Gallery: contemporary art gallery exhibiting Moroccan and international artists (see official website here).
A number of art galleries are also worth a visit to discover the current Moroccan art scene. The Maarif district is home to Galerie 38, which promotes emerging artists, and Galerie Venise Cadre, renowned for its eclectic exhibitions combining painting, sculpture and photography. In the Bourgogne district,
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Coming soon!
Casablanca: An open-air museum
Beyond its traditional museums, Casablanca itself is a veritable open-air museum. The white city boasts an exceptional architectural heritage that’s well worth exploring in depth.
Art Deco architectural heritage
Casablanca boasts one of the world’s greatest concentrations of Art Deco architecture, inherited from the period of the French protectorate (1912-1956). This era profoundly marked the face of Morocco’s economic metropolis.
As you stroll through the city center, look up and admire the ornate facades with their geometric lines, characteristic of the Art Deco movement. The bright white buildings are often embellished with rounded bow windows, wrought-iron balconies and stylized floral motifs.
This architectural stroll will also reveal the Moorish influence that blended with the Art Deco style, creating a unique style sometimes referred to as neo-Moorish”. This harmonious fusion of Western modernity and local traditions is what makes Casablanca’s heritage so unique.
Colorful markets: craftsmanship and authenticity
Make a stop first at the Quartier des Habous! Built in the 1930s by French architects Henri Prost and Albert Laprade, this “New Medina” offers a unique sensory experience. Unlike the labyrinthine layout of older medinas, this one unfurls its alleyways in an airy organization, while retaining the authenticity of the souk. You’ll stroll along alleys lined with white arcades and stalls where craftsmen perpetuate ancestral skills: copper-hammering coppersmiths, leatherworkers sewing babouches and leather bags, illuminators calligraphing Koranic verses on parchment. To find out more, read our article on the subject!
We also recommend a visit to the Marché Central. A true Casablanca institution since 1917, it’s a must for capturing the city’s popular soul. As soon as you enter, you’ll be captivated by the explosion of color of the perfectly arranged fruit and vegetable stalls, the spice stalls, the flower stalls and the local artists!
This market embodies the cosmopolitan nature of Casablanca, where Casablancans of all origins, curious tourists and chefs from top restaurants come to select the best products in a lively atmosphere.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the major cultural events in Casablanca?
If you’re looking for an alternative to museums, we suggest you take a look at the programming at the Théâtre Mohammed VI, Studio des Arts vivants, Cinéma Rif,Institut Français de Casablanca orUzine.
In addition to the rich program offered by its cultural venues, the city of Casablanca organizes a number of cultural events each year, including the Casablanca International Film Festival, the Jazzablanca Festival and the Casa Africa Festival. Find out more on the city’s official website here.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
The most beautiful landscapes in Morocco
What to do in Morocco (coming soon)
The most beautiful riads
The most beautiful cities
The most beautiful medinas
The most beautiful gardens (coming soon)
The best museums (coming soon)
The most beautiful beaches in Morocco (coming soon)
- Practical advice
When to go? (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Morocco (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
Where to stay in Morocco (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fès
Meknès
Chefchaouen
Sahara Desert (coming soon)
