House of Photography Museum

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On Morocco tours, the collection at the House of Photography is nothing short of extraordinary. The museum houses over 10,000 rare photographs, with the earliest images dating back to the 1870s . As you climb the three floors of the restored fondouk, you will wander through a panorama of Moroccan history, from the reign of Sultan Moulay Hassan I to the eve of independence. The collection includes hauntingly beautiful albumen prints by early pioneers like George Washington Wilson, Marcelin Flandrin, and Henri de la Martinière, who captured the ruins of Volubilis and the grandeur of the Imperial Cities . On Morocco tours, you will find a moving collection of portraits, including the stark and beautiful faces of Berber tribespeople, Jewish families of the mellah (Jewish quarter), and Saharan nomads.

The Restored Fondouk Architecture

The building that houses the House of Photography is a work of art in itself and a perfect example of how traditional Moroccan architecture can be repurposed for modern culture. This "fondouk" was built in the late 19th century as a caravanserai, a place where traveling merchants would store their goods on the ground floor and sleep in simple rooms upstairs . On Morocco tours, the architecture is striking in its functional simplicity. The three-story building is arranged around a central, rectangular courtyard. The ground floor features massive stone pillars and arches that once sheltered the camels and donkeys of the caravans. The upper floors are ringed with wooden galleries, supported by rows of elegant columns, offering a perfect vantage point to look down into the courtyard .

The Rooftop Terrace and Cafe

While the photographs are the main attraction, the rooftop terrace of the House of Photography is an experience in itself. On Morocco tours, climbing to the top floor opens up to one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Marrakech medina . From this shaded oasis, you can see the soaring minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, the sprawling rooftops of the ancient city, and on a clear day, the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains shimmering on the horizon . The museum houses a charming cafe on this terrace, serving traditional Moroccan mint tea, coffee, and light meals at very reasonable prices . On Morocco tours, this is the perfect place to take a break. You can sit under an awning, sip a cool juice, and watch the storks circling overhead. The terrace is a tranquil sanctuary, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the streets below, and a perfect spot to reflect on the images of old Morocco you have just seen.

The Daniel Chicault Film

One of the hidden treasures of the House of Photography is not a still image, but a moving one. On the third floor, a small screening room plays "Paysages et visages du Haut-Atlas" (Landscapes and Faces of the High Atlas), a documentary film shot in stunning color by French explorer Daniel Chicault in 1957 . On Morocco tours, this film is absolutely captivating. It is believed to be the first color documentary ever shot in Morocco, and it offers a rare, unadulterated glimpse into the life of Berber tribes in the High Atlas mountains before modernization. You will see women wearing stunning silver jewelry, men performing communal tasks, and children playing in villages that were still largely untouched by the outside world . On Morocco tours, visitors often find themselves glued to the screen, the 30-minute runtime passing in a flash. It is a powerful companion to the still photographs, bringing the past to life in vivid color.

Temporary Exhibitions and Cultural Partnerships

The House of Photography is not a static museum; it is a dynamic cultural institution. The museum changes its exhibitions every six months, ensuring that even returning visitors will find something new and inspiring . On Morocco tours, you might encounter an exhibition dedicated to the "Masters of Photography in Morocco," or a specific theme such as "The Jews of Morocco," showcasing the rich history of the country's Jewish community . The museum also partners with other cultural institutions in Marrakech, such as the stunning Palais de la Bahia, to present larger exhibitions. Recent examples include "Soieries Marocaines" (Moroccan Silks), featuring the work of Lucien Vogel from the 1920s, and "Costumes of Women of Morocco," celebrating the diverse textile traditions of the country .

The best time for Morocco tours to visit the House of Photography is in the late morning, around 11:00 AM, or in the early afternoon. The museum is open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM . By arriving after the initial morning rush, you can avoid the larger tour groups and enjoy the galleries in relative peace. The museum is a perfect escape from the midday heat, as the thick walls and shaded courtyard stay cool even in summer. On Morocco tours, you can easily spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the three floors of photographs, watching the Chicault film, and relaxing on the rooftop terrace . The soft lighting in the galleries is beautiful at any time of day, but the late afternoon light on the terrace is particularly magical for photography.

On Morocco tours, the House of Photography is located in the heart of the Marrakech medina at 46 Rue Ahl Fes, in the Bin Lafnadek neighborhood . It is about a 10 to 15 minute walk north of Jemaa el-Fna square. Look for the small brown tourist signs pointing towards "Maison de la Photographie" as you navigate the narrow alleyways. Because the medina is a pedestrian zone, you cannot drive directly to the door. A taxi can drop you at the edge of the medina, from where you will walk. On Morocco tours, your driver or guide will know the location well. An excellent value is that your ticket to the House of Photography (around 60-70 MAD) is also valid for entry to the nearby Museum of Mouassine Music, another hidden gem dedicated to traditional Moroccan musical instruments .

On Morocco tours, staying in the northern medina, near the Mouassine district or the Ben Youssef Madrasa, puts you within walking distance of the House of Photography. For luxury travelers, the famous La Mamounia is a short taxi ride away. For a more authentic experience, there are countless beautiful riads tucked into the streets around the museum. Staying in this area is quieter than staying near Jemaa el-Fna, offering a more peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing. On Morocco tours, booking accommodation near the House of Photography allows you to explore the less touristy northern section of the medina, where you can discover artisan workshops, hidden cafes, and other cultural gems like the Mouassine Fountain and the Photography Museum's sister institution, the Music Museum.

Booking your Morocco tours with Dav Safaris ensures you have the time and context to fully appreciate the House of Photography in Marrakech. Our guides are experts in Moroccan history and visual culture and can explain the significance of the early photographers, the stories behind the portraits of Berber tribes and Jewish communities, and the importance of preserving this visual heritage. We can arrange private guided tours of the Marrakech medina that include skip-the-line access to the museum, allowing you to maximize your time. On Morocco tours with Dav Safaris, we handle the logistics, from your riad booking to your airport transfer. You focus on the haunting faces of old Morocco, the stunning glass plate negatives, and the breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. We handle everything else on your Morocco tours.