Les Étoiles de Jamaa El Fna Cultural Centre

A cultural centre inside Marrakech’s historic medina

Les Étoiles de Jamaa El Fna Cultural Centre stands a short walk from the square that gives it its name, at 36 Derb Fhal Zefriti. Run by the Ali Zaoua Foundation, it combines arts education, creation, public programming and youth development in one of the most visited parts of Marrakech’s medina.

The centre is not a tourist attraction devoted to Jemaa el-Fnaa itself. Its primary mission is educational, social and cultural: giving children and young people from the medina sustained access to artistic practice, languages, books and encounters with creative professionals. It also welcomes wider audiences when a concert, performance, screening, exhibition, talk or festival is announced.

Riad El Kébir: heritage brought back into use

The centre occupies Riad El Kébir, a nineteenth-century traditional building historically associated with the treasurer of Sultan Hassan I. The Ministry responsible for Culture made the property available for the project, and Moroccan architect Rachid Andaloussi led its full restoration before its conversion into a cultural venue.

Covering more than 1,000 square metres, the riad retains the organisation of a large medina residence, with rooms and galleries arranged around a central courtyard. The restoration creates a direct conversation between Marrakech’s architectural heritage and contemporary uses such as rehearsal, teaching, recording, reading and performance.

The courtyard can become a stage, festival hub or discussion space, while the surrounding rooms serve as studios, classrooms and workshops. The project therefore gives a living cultural purpose to a historic building rather than treating it only as a monument.

Opened in November 2021

Les Étoiles de Jamaa El Fna opened on 26 November 2021 as the fifth centre in the Les Étoiles network, following Sidi Moumen in Casablanca, Béni Makada in Tangier, Souss in Agadir and the medina of Fez.

At the time of opening, the Ali Zaoua Foundation expected the centre to serve between 500 and 600 regular young participants during its first year. The project was developed with support from the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, Morocco’s National Initiative for Human Development and several private and philanthropic partners.

Learning through artistic practice

The centre follows the wider philosophy of the Les Étoiles network: cultural participation is a right, and artistic practice can support expression, confidence and social or professional inclusion. Depending on the season and enrolment cycle, programmes may include theatre, improvisation, dance, urban cultures, music, singing, visual arts, photography, video, writing, public speaking and foreign languages.

French, English, Spanish and Mandarin were among the languages announced when the centre opened. Later partnerships have brought additional opportunities, including Italian courses organised with the Italian Cultural Institute. Exact disciplines, age groups, levels, fees and enrolment dates change between seasons and should be confirmed directly with the centre.

Studios, classrooms and a public library

The building includes a dance studio, music room, recording studio and spaces for classes and rehearsals. These facilities allow participants to move from introductory workshops towards more regular practice, while also making room for visiting artists, masterclasses, residencies and collaborative projects.

A public library was part of the original programme. Books and literature have since become especially visible through author events, readings, discussions, signing sessions and festival bookshops. Current library membership, consultation and lending arrangements should be checked locally.

A major home for African literature

Since 2023, the centre has served as the main venue of the Marrakech African Book Festival. FLAM brings together writers, thinkers, publishers, artists and readers from Africa and its diasporas for conversations, readings, signings, youth activities, film, poetry and music.

The fourth edition, held from 23 to 25 April 2026, confirmed the centre’s role as an international literary platform. Les Étoiles therefore connects neighbourhood-based cultural work in the medina with wider African and global intellectual exchange.

Performance, film and international partnerships

Public programming remains multidisciplinary, including theatre, dance, contemporary circus, intimate concerts, film screenings, talks, hip-hop and graffiti activities, and projects exploring oral, musical and Amazigh heritage.

In 2026, the French Institute of Marrakech presented the circus-and-rap performance Biographies at the centre, as well as the screening and discussion Ahwach, les voix du rituel. Local participatory theatre and debate initiatives also use the venue, reinforcing its position as a place of creation as well as presentation.

Planning a visit

The centre is located at 36 Derb Fhal Zefriti, Marrakech 40000. The location recorded by Culturama corresponds to the Google Maps listing for the entrance. The final part of the journey is normally made on foot because car and taxi access is restricted in many medina lanes.

The published telephone number is +212 5 24 38 02 21. The current map listing generally shows opening hours of 10 am to 9 pm from Tuesday to Friday and 10 am to 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday, with Monday closed. Hours may change during holidays, Ramadan, festivals and enrolment periods.

Access conditions depend on the programme. Some events are free and open to all, while others require registration, an invitation or a ticket. Regular workshops have separate schedules and limited places.

Continue through Marrakech’s cultural landscape with the French Institute of Marrakech, the MACAAL, the Daoudiate Cultural Centre, current events in Marrakech and the city’s wider cultural directory.