Home

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Jardin Majorelle - Marakech, Morocco

Used to be the studio of the artist but now a museum in Jardin Majorelle
When I was in Marrakesh, everybody said we should not miss Jardin Majorelle. From Riad Mur Akush, it was about 15 minutes walk from Bab Doukala and the direction was pretty easy to follow. We spent about two hours strolling around this petite garden. How much time you want to spend here is relative. It is really not that big but what's so special about this garden is the people associated with it and the strong colors and contrasts that attract our eyes. 

This garden is like an oasis in the middle of Marrakesh. Created by a French artist, Jacque Majorelle in the 1920s, the garden was first opened to the general public in 1947. However, it was neglected after his death in 1962. And in 1980, the garden was bought by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé , where they successfully managed to restore its glory. When Yves Saint Laurent died in 2008, his ashes were scattered in the garden honoring his affection for the place.

There were bourganvilleas, palms, bamboos, cacti, olive trees and many small plants in distinctive cobalt blue, yellow and orange pots. This little garden is full of vibrant colors but the distinguishable shades of blue dominate the garden and giving it a unique character. It is just so different from any garden I have seen in my life. It is cool to be in this garden on a hot day in Marrakesh but the place can be crowded with tourists who flock here to escape the hectic Marrakesh city. Try to come early and you would have a quieter moments in this tranquil garden.


The garden is open daily at 8:00 to 17:30 (in Winter) and the entrance fee is 25 Dirham. There is an artist studio in the garden which is currently converted into a Islamic Art museum. But unfortunately the  museum was closed when we were there.

The potted plants
The striking cobalt blue building among the trees
Lovely group of cacti in the garden

Fresh delicious dates on the tree
A giant cactus



Yves Saint Laurent in Memory
Giant cacti decorate the surrounding of the house
Small blue fountain

No comments:

Post a Comment