Haj Bahnini Hall

A public stage in central Rabat

Haj Bahnini Hall, commonly known as Salle Bahnini or Bahnini Theatre, is a public performance venue at Morocco’s Department of Culture on Rue Ghandi in Rabat. With a published capacity of 420 seats, it occupies a useful middle ground in the capital’s cultural landscape: more intimate than the city’s major theatres, yet large and equipped enough for professional productions and public events.

The hall is managed within the ministry responsible for culture. It does not operate as a visitor attraction or a theatre with performances every day. Instead, it hosts programmes organised by the ministry, associations, theatre companies, producers and cultural partners.

A versatile 420-seat auditorium

The programme may include theatre and staged readings, concerts, comedy, film screenings, conferences, tributes, festivals, youth activities and community events. Professional and cultural-sector sources consistently report a capacity of 420 seats.

A published venue sheet lists technical equipment, video projection, microphones, sound and lighting control, and public parking nearby. Exact stage specifications and accessibility arrangements should be confirmed with the organiser for each event.

Supporting Moroccan live performance

Salle Bahnini gives theatre companies, musicians, comedians, associations and emerging collectives access to an institutional stage without relying solely on Rabat’s largest venues. Its activity reflects the variety of the city’s cultural life rather than a single artistic specialism.

Moroccan theatre, intimate concerts, heritage music, contemporary culture and public discussions can all appear in the programme. The hall’s relatively compact scale creates direct contact between performers and audiences.

Theatre, music and public encounters

Theatre remains one of the venue’s most visible uses. Its frontal auditorium suits plays, readings and post-show discussions in Arabic, French or Amazigh. Music programmes may range from acoustic concerts and popular Moroccan repertoires to Aissawa and spiritual traditions.

The hall also hosts conferences and official or community events. Admission therefore varies: an event may be free, invitation-only, ticketed online or sold at the venue.

Location and access

Salle Haj Bahnini is located at 1 Rue Ghandi, within the Department of Culture complex in central Rabat. Ticketing platforms also identify the location through the plus code 2598+X8M, Rabat.

Do not confuse it with similarly named halls in other institutions or with Salle Allal El Fassi. A correct event listing should mention Rue Ghandi and the Department of Culture.

Planning your visit

The venue is accessible only when an event is scheduled. Before travelling, confirm the date, opening time, official organiser, ticket seller, performance language, seating arrangements, age guidance and whether advance booking is required.

Browse current cultural events in Rabat for upcoming dates.

Practical information

Usual official name: Salle Haj Bahnini
Other names: Salle Bahnini, Bahnini Theatre
Type: public theatre and performance venue
Published capacity: 420 seats
Address: 1 Rue Ghandi, Department of Culture, Rabat 10000, Morocco
Department telephone: +212 5 37 20 94 00
Institutional website: culture.ma
Access: according to the announced programme