Musée Mohammed VI Art Moderne et Contemporain

Top choice in Rabat


Conceived and funded by the present king, this museum opened in 2014 as the country's first national museum of modern and contemporary art. Alongside a permanent display of Moroccan artists dating from the 1950s to the present day, it plays host to temporary exhibitions from big-name international artists.

Look out for paintings by Radia Bent El Houssein (1912–94), Abbés Saladi (1950–92), André Elbaz (b 1934), Mehdi Qotbi (b 1951) and Aziza Alaoui (b 1966). Also of note are photographs by Lalla Essaydi (b 1956).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rabat attractions

1. Museum of History & Civilisation

0.12 MILES

Reopened after a major renovation, this small but perfectly formed museum is split in to two sections – the first showcases the history of Morocco through…

2. Villa des Arts de Rabat

0.21 MILES

This beautifully restored, blindingly white art deco villa dates from 1929 and now holds well-curated contemporary art exhibitions with a focus on…

3. St Pierre Cathedral

0.25 MILES

With an architecturally interesting exterior, this bright white cathedral dates from 1919 but its two art deco–style towers were added in the 1930s. They…

4. Royal Palace

0.72 MILES

Located at the end of the mechouar (a large parade ground), this palace dates from 1864 and is a principal residence of the royal family. It is off-limits…

5. Grande Mosquée de Rabat Medina

0.77 MILES

This mosque, a 14th-century Merinid original much rebuilt in the intervening years, is located just off the Souq As Sebbat. It is closed to non-Muslims.

6. Rabat Medina

0.78 MILES

When the French arrived in the early 20th century, this walled medina by the sea was the full extent of the city. Built on an orderly grid in the 17th…

7. Souq As Sebbat

0.84 MILES

Recently restored, this covered souq at the eastern end of Rue Souika specialises in jewellery, rugs and leather goods, and is the only part of the medina…

8. Chellah

0.85 MILES

First came the Phoenicians, then the Romans took control of this beautiful hilltop site above the fertile Bou Regreg river plain around 40 CE. From 1154,…