Thirteen years after its establishment, the National Foundation of Museums (NFM) has become a central part of Morocco’s cultural and social development. Under the high Impulse of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the NFM’s vision is to make culture a driving force in the Kingdom’s economic growth while preserving its rich heritage.
Photo: Courtesy National Foundation of Museums
As caretakers of history, museums are home to exceptional and rare artifacts that showcase Morocco’s rich cultural past. The NFM plays a vital role in preserving this legacy by prioritizing the restoration and modernization of national museums. These institutions not only preserve heritage but also serve as platforms for showcasing both local and international artists. The NFM encourages cultural interaction by presenting Moroccan artifacts and treasures from the fields of ethnography, art, and archaeology.
With 18 museums now open to the public across Morocco, the NFM has established a broad and active presence in cities such as Rabat, Salé, Marrakech, Tangier, Tetouan, Meknes, Agadir, Azilal, and Safi. Among these, Rabat’s Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMVI), inaugurated in 2014 by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, stands as a foundation of the Kingdom’s cultural landscape. Marking its 10th anniversary this year, the MMVI is a testament to Morocco’s progressive cultural policies and infrastructure development. It was the first museum in the country dedicated entirely to modern and contemporary art and continues to meet international museological standards.
As the first museum in Africa to incorporate a solar energy solution, MMVI exemplifies the blend of art and environmental responsibility. Its exhibitions have featured international legends like Giacometti, Picasso, Goya, Monet, Delacroix, César, Cartier-Bresson, Arman, Helen Marden, Brice Marden, Julian Schnabel, Francesco Clemente etc. In addition to prominent Moroccan artists such as Ahmed Cherkaoui, Jilali Gharbaoui, Chaïbia Talal, Mohamed Chebaa, Mohamed Melehi, Malika Agueznay, Fouad Bellamine, Mounir El Fatmi and many others. The museum has also embraced Africa’s developing artistic scene with exhibitions like “Africa in Capital” and “Stronger Together” of Barthélémy Toguo.
