Mohammed VI Palace of Culture, Ouarzazate

A long-awaited public cultural landmark

Mohammed VI Palace of Culture is Ouarzazate’s main contemporary municipal cultural venue. Located in the Al Wahda neighbourhood, it was created to provide the city with a permanent setting for performances, exhibitions, workshops, public reading, film screenings and civic encounters.

The project had an unusually long development history. Construction began in 2008 and continued through several phases before the building entered service in October 2024. The municipal council formally adopted the name Mohammed VI Palace of Culture on 30 October, followed by an official opening ceremony on 6 November. Public records therefore point to two connected milestones: the initial opening of the building and its inauguration under the official name.

The complex covers around 5,800 square metres and its reported total cost was MAD 25.534 million. More importantly, it answered a longstanding need in a city internationally associated with film production but lacking a major year-round municipal venue for local artists, associations and audiences.

Theatre, meeting rooms and artist facilities

The palace is built around a large theatre equipped for sound and lighting. It also includes a multipurpose hall for performances, conferences and public meetings, three artist rooms, preparation areas, a lighting control space and several seminar and meeting rooms.

Municipal documents also describe a culture, arts and administration wing, a scientific and educational research area, a youth room, galleries, public-reading spaces, computer facilities and a café. The building can therefore operate as a stage, media library, exhibition venue, non-formal learning centre and meeting platform for cultural organisations across the province.

Public reading and creative learning

The published internal regulations provide for reading services for adults and children, film screenings, exhibitions, lectures and workshops in theatre, music, visual arts, computing and educational research.

General access is open to the public within each space’s capacity. Some activities may require advance registration, membership, an invitation or a ticket. The municipality has also published indicative subscription fees for the media room, library, drawing, music and youth services, with reduced rates for pupils and students. Visitors should confirm current prices and registration periods directly with the administration.

An active municipal programme

Since opening, the palace and its large outdoor square have hosted both cultural and civic programmes. Local groups performed there during Eid celebrations in June 2025, while the building also welcomed round tables during the municipality’s annual forum on territorial governance and citizen participation.

In August 2025, the square hosted the first Ouarzazate Rhythms festival, celebrating Amazigh, popular and locally rooted musical expressions. This programme illustrates the venue’s two scales: professional indoor presentation and large open-air community events.

Beyond Ouarzazate’s film-studio image

Ouarzazate is widely known as a centre for international filming and studio production. The Palace of Culture adds a different layer to that identity: a cultural institution designed primarily for residents. It connects Amazigh heritage, music, theatre, visual art, reading, youth participation and film culture within a public venue open throughout the year.

This role complements the future International Cinema City, which is focused on audiovisual production and industry services. The palace is instead oriented towards public presentation, artistic education, local associations and audience development.

Planning a visit

The palace is located in the Al Wahda neighbourhood at Plus Code W3HW+5H2. Published administrative hours are 9am–12pm and 4pm–9pm, although performances, workshops and weekend programmes may follow different schedules.

Requests to use its rooms normally have to be submitted at least fifteen days before an activity and remain subject to municipal approval. Monthly programmes may be announced on site or through the municipality’s communication channels.

Continue exploring the city through the Ouarzazate Cinema Museum, the Kasbah of Taourirt Art Space, current events in Ouarzazate and the wider cultural map.