MACAAL

MACAAL - the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden - opened in 2016, with an official inauguration in 2018, in a low earth-coloured building on a golf and residential development south of Marrakech, founded by the Lazraq family from their collection. Its significance is structural rather than architectural: there are very few museums on the African continent holding and showing permanent collections of contemporary African art, most of the important collecting having happened in Europe and America, and MACAAL is one. It shows painting, photography, sculpture and installation from across the continent and the diaspora, with a sculpture park in the grounds, an education programme for local schools, and a rotation between the permanent holdings and temporary exhibitions. Getting there means a taxi, since it is outside the city, and it is worth checking what is on before going. The Al Maaden setting is a manicured development and the contrast with the work is sometimes uncomfortable.

History

The museum grew from the collection of Alami and Farida Lazraq and is run by their son, the architect Othman Lazraq; it opened in November 2016, during the UN climate conference held in Marrakesh, and was officially inaugurated in February 2018 (Wikipedia, Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden).

The main sights

• A permanent African collection - rare on the continent, and the museum's real point.
• Continental and diaspora work - painting, photography, sculpture and installation.
• A sculpture park - work sited in the grounds around the building.
• A private foundation - opened in 2016 from the Lazraq family collection.

When to go

October to April. Two hours. Check the current exhibition first.

What to expect

It is outside the city and needs a taxi both ways. Opening days are limited - check before going. The surrounding golf development sits oddly with the programme. Entry is charged.

Nearby

Marrakech medina is ten kilometres north; the Agdal gardens are between.

Key facts