The Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum (Musée YSL Marrakech) form one of the most enchanting cultural experiences in Marrakech. A harmonious blend of botanical wonder, artistic heritage, and fashion history, these two iconic sites sit side by side in the upscale district of Gueliz and attract visitors from around the world.

Jardin Majorelle: A Botanical Masterpiece

Created in the 1920s by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent & Pierre Bergé, Jardin Majorelle is a living work of art—immersive, vibrant, and serene.

Key Features of the Garden
  • Exotic Botanical Collection
    Home to more than 300 plant species sourced from five continents, including cacti, bamboo, palms, bougainvillea, agave, and towering yucca trees.

  • Majorelle Blue
    The iconic electric cobalt blue color, found on the walls, fountains, and structures, has become a symbol of the garden’s identity.

  • Architectural Elements
    Inspired by Moorish and Art Deco styles, the garden features:

    • Elegant pergolas

    • Ornate fountains

    • Vibrant yellow accents

    • Tile pathways leading through lush greenery

  • Calming Atmosphere
    The garden provides a peaceful escape from the intensity of the Medina—shaded, cool, and filled with birdsong.

The Berber Museum

Within Jardin Majorelle lies the Musée Berbère, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Morocco’s Indigenous Amazigh (Berber) communities.

Highlights
  • Jewelry, textiles, leatherwork, and traditional clothing

  • Ancient artifacts highlighting Berber craftsmanship

  • Beautifully curated displays with modern lighting and presentation

This museum deepens the cultural context of the garden and complements its artistic identity.

Yves Saint Laurent Museum (Musée YSL Marrakech)

Opened in 2017, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum honors the legendary designer’s lifelong love affair with Marrakech—a city he described as “a place where I found color, light, and inspiration.”

Architectural Brilliance :

The building itself is a masterpiece of contemporary design:

  • Rounded terracotta brick façades

  • Minimalist, geometric lines

  • Inspired by both Moroccan textures and haute couture silhouettes

Designed by Studio KO, it seamlessly merges architecture, fashion, and art.

Museum Features :
  • Permanent Exhibition Hall
    A dramatic, beautifully lit showcase of YSL’s most iconic haute couture pieces, accessories, sketches, and film projections.

  • Temporary Exhibitions
    Rotating displays on photography, fashion, and contemporary art.

  • Auditorium & Screening Room
    Exhibits films and documentaries about YSL and global fashion culture.

  • Research Library
    Features over 5,000 books on fashion, art, history, and Moroccan craftsmanship.

  • Café & Boutique
    Chic spaces inspired by the brand’s aesthetic.

The museum offers a rare insight into the genius of one of the most influential designers of the 20th century.

The Connection Between the Garden and YSL

Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé purchased Jardin Majorelle in 1980, saving it from demolition. The pair restored the garden with meticulous respect to Majorelle’s vision.

  • YSL considered the garden his personal refuge.

  • His ashes were scattered in the rose garden after his passing in 2008.

  • The garden and museum today stand as a tribute to his creativity, passion, and enduring legacy.

Visitor Experience
Atmosphere
  • Peaceful, artistic, and visually stunning

  • One of the best places in Marrakech for photography

  • A favorite destination for art lovers, botanists, and design enthusiasts

Time Needed
  • Jardin Majorelle: 45–60 minutes

  • YSL Museum: 60–90 minutes

Best Time to Visit
  • Early morning or late afternoon (to avoid crowds)

  • Weekdays for a quieter experience

Location & Accessibility

Situated in Gueliz, outside the Medina, the garden and museum are easily accessible.

Nearby attractions:

  • Gueliz shopping district

  • Contemporary art galleries

  • Trendy cafés and local boutiques

Most taxis and ride services are familiar with the destination.

Tips for Visitors
  • Purchase tickets online in advance (queues can be long).

  • Wear comfortable shoes—pathways can be uneven.

  • Photography is allowed in the garden but restricted inside the YSL Museum.

  • Combine both sites in one visit for the full experience.