Jamaâ El-Fna Museum of Intangible Heritage

## From a banking building to a heritage museum The Jamaâ El-Fna Museum of Intangible Heritage occupies the former premises of Morocco's State Bank, later Bank Al-Maghrib, on Marrakech's Jamaâ El-Fna square. Architects Auguste Cadet and Edmond Brion designed the building in 1922. After restoration and conversion, the museum opened to the public on 24 February 2023. Its position along the square connects the history of an early twentieth-century civic building with the longer history of Marrakech's medina. ## Halqa performances and living traditions The museum explores the traditions associated with Jamaâ El-Fna and the people who sustain them. A halqa is a gathering of spectators around a performer; the square has historically hosted storytellers, musicians, poets, acrobats and other artistic and oral practices. The displays address how such knowledge is learned, performed and transmitted, as well as the importance of a public meeting place in the cultural life of Marrakech. The cultural space of Jamaâ El-Fna was proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001 and inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List in 2008. This recognition concerns the living cultural space, not only the museum building. ## Collections and representations of the square The permanent displays examine the history of the square, its performers and their trades. A numismatic section recalls the building's former banking function and the people who worked there. Other sections explore Jamaâ El-Fna through painting, theatre, cinema and photography. According to the National Foundation of Museums, two works by Jacques Majorelle portray scenes from the square's everyday life. Documents and objects serve as evidence of the changes in entertainment, social exchanges and artistic practices over time. ## Temporary exhibitions The museum also hosts temporary presentations on Moroccan visual and cultural heritage. The FNM lists « Nabili: La Mémoire des Signes », devoted to artist Mohamed Nabili, from 12 June 2026 until 15 February 2027. Temporary exhibitions follow their own dates and admission arrangements, which should be checked before travelling. ## Visit and related institutions Address: Rue Ibn Marine, Place Jamaâ El-Fna, Marrakesh. Official visiting hours are Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am–6 pm, closed Monday. The FNM lists standard rates including 20 MAD for Moroccan adult visitors and residents and 40 MAD for foreign visitors; confirm possible concessions and free-entry schemes. See also the [Museum of Confluences Dar El Bacha](/en/institutions/musee-confluences-dar-el-bacha-marrakech), [Dar Si Saïd National Museum of Weaving and Carpets](/en/institutions/musee-national-tissage-tapis-dar-si-said-marrakech) and [Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts](/en/institutions/musee-pierre-berge-arts-berberes-marrakech). Sources: [National Foundation of Museums](https://www.fnm.ma/museums/40), [UNESCO – Cultural space of Jamaâ El-Fna](https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/cultural-space-of-jemaa-el-fna-square-00014), [Mohamed Nabili exhibition](https://fnm.ma/exposition/exposition-mohamed-nabili).