Casablanca has officially welcomed a major new cultural landmark with the opening of the Museum of Photography
and Visual Arts, a space dedicated to preserving photographic heritage while promoting contemporary artistic creation.
The museum was inaugurated on June 23, 2026, as part of celebrations marking the bicentenary of the invention of photography.
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Located in the heart of Casablanca’s old medina, the museum occupies the site of the former Foundouk Lebbadi,
a historic 19th-century caravanserai that has been transformed into a modern cultural institution.
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One of the project’s most remarkable features is its architecture.
The building was designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, making it his only architectural realization on the African continent.
The design blends contemporary architecture with the historic fabric of the medina, creating a dialogue between heritage and modernity.
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Managed by the Fondation Nationale des Musées, the museum aims to become a reference center for photography, visual arts and cultural
preservation in Morocco. It will host exhibitions, educational programs and initiatives supporting emerging artists and photographers.
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The institution will also feature a specialized library, multimedia resources and spaces dedicated to training and artistic creation,
reinforcing its role as both a museum and a cultural hub.
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The opening carries particular symbolic significance, as 2026 marks both the 200th anniversary of photography
and the 125th anniversary of its introduction to Morocco.
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One thing is clear.
With the opening of the Museum of Photography and Visual Arts, Casablanca is strengthening its position
as one of Morocco’s leading cultural destinations while giving photography a permanent home worthy of its history.
