Majorelle Garden in Marrakech stands as an enchanting oasis that combines the beauty of exotic plants and the splendor of vibrant colors, forming an unforgettable landmark in the heart of the Red City. This comprehensive guide aims to introduce you to the rich history of Majorelle Garden, from its founder, French artist Jacques Majorelle, to its later owner, international designer Yves Saint Laurent. Together, we’ll explore the garden’s unique design with focus on its distinctive blue color and rare plant collection, plus practical information that will help you plan an enjoyable visit to this peaceful paradise amid the bustle of Marrakech.
History of Majorelle Garden: From the Artist to the Designer
Majorelle Garden is not merely a beautiful place, but carries a rich historical and personal story linked to a world-renowned artist and designer who loved Marrakech and left their mark on this exceptional place.
Artist Jacques Majorelle and the Beginning of the Dream (from the 1920s)
The story of Majorelle Garden began when French painter Jacques Majorelle purchased a plot of land in the 1920s in the palm grove area of Marrakech. Majorelle, fascinated by Moroccan culture and its colors, dreamed of creating his own oasis that would combine his passion for plants and colors. He spent nearly forty years shaping and developing this garden, collecting plants from different parts of the world and designing his painting studio with a distinctive blue color that would later become the symbol of the place.
Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé: Saving and Reviving the Gardens
After Jacques Majorelle’s death in 1962, the garden was neglected for years until French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé discovered it during their visit to Marrakech in the 1960s. They immediately fell in love with the place, and when they learned there were plans to turn the garden into a hotel complex, they decided to purchase it in 1980 to save it from disappearing.
Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé restored the garden and returned it to its former glory while developing it, preserving Majorelle’s original vision while adding their own touches. Marrakech held a special place in Yves Saint Laurent’s heart, who drew inspiration from it for many of his designs. After his death in 2008, a portion of his ashes was scattered in Majorelle Garden, keeping his spirit connected to this place he loved so much.
Since Pierre Bergé’s passing in 2017, the gardens are now managed by the Fondation Jardin Majorelle, which works to preserve and develop the legacy of this historical site.
Design of Majorelle Garden: The Magic of Blue and Plants from Around the World
Majorelle Garden is known for its unique design that blends colorful architecture, peaceful waterways, and an incredible diversity of plants from around the world to form a complete work of art.
Majorelle Blue: The Artist’s Signature
What most distinguishes Majorelle Garden is the intense, bright cobalt blue color known as “Majorelle Blue.” Jacques Majorelle created this color and registered it as his personal trademark, using it to paint the studio walls, pots, and architectural elements in the garden. This deep blue creates a striking contrast with the greenery of the plants and other colors in the garden, reflecting the blue sky of Marrakech.
Majorelle Blue is today a symbol of this place and has inspired numerous designers and artists around the world, becoming an integral part of the place’s unforgettable identity.
Colorful Architecture and Waterways
Majorelle Garden is characterized by a blend of Moroccan-style architecture and French influences. Besides the main building painted in blue (Majorelle’s former studio), other architectural elements with bright yellow and green colors add vitality to the place.
The garden is crossed by peaceful waterways and small ponds filled with water lilies and aquatic plants, creating the soothing sound of flowing water, adding a sense of serenity and calm to the place amid the heat of Marrakech.
Collection of Exotic and Diverse Plants
Majorelle Garden houses an impressive collection of exotic plants that Jacques Majorelle gathered during his travels around the world. The garden includes:
- Cacti: of varied shapes and sizes, some reaching several meters in height
- Palm trees: of different species that give the place a tropical atmosphere
- Bamboo forests: offering generous shade and a distinctive sound when wind blows between their stems
- Bougainvillea: with bright colors climbing the walls and adding touches of red and purple
- Aquatic plants: decorating the ponds and waterways
The plants are artistically arranged, creating changing scenes at every angle of the garden, and providing shade and privacy to visitors in the scorching heat of Marrakech.
The Berber Museum (Musée Pierre Bergé des Arts Berbères) Inside the Garden
In the former studio of artist Jacques Majorelle, the museum houses a magnificent collection of Berber art and culture, reflecting Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé’s passion for Morocco’s authentic culture and heritage.
The museum is located in the famous blue building inside the garden and comprises a collection of heritage items, jewelry, textiles, pottery, woodwork, and traditional Berber costumes that reflect the richness and diversity of this culture. The museum was founded in 2011 at the initiative of Pierre Bergé to display his personal collection of Berber heritage items.
It’s worth noting that entry to the Berber Museum requires an additional ticket separate from the garden entry ticket, but the visit is worth it for those interested in discovering the rich Berber culture.
Importance of Majorelle Garden: Art, Culture, and Peaceful Refuge
The importance of Majorelle Garden extends beyond being just a beautiful garden, as it is:
- Considered a complete work of art and a unique achievement in landscape design
- A remarkable example of fusion between architecture (with Art Deco and Moroccan influences) and plant design
- A symbol of the close relationship between Morocco and international artists and designers
- An oasis of peace and beauty in the midst of the bustling city of Marrakech
- A cultural site housing the Berber Museum that celebrates Morocco’s authentic heritage
- A memorial for Yves Saint Laurent, where a portion of his ashes was scattered, making it a pilgrimage site for those interested in the world of fashion and design
Visiting Majorelle Garden: Practical Guide and Important Tips
Visiting Majorelle Garden is an experience not to be missed, and to make it enjoyable and smooth, here is the most important information and practical tips for planning your visit.
Garden Location and How to Get There
Majorelle Garden is located outside the walls of the Medina (old city), in the modern part of Marrakech, specifically in the Gueliz district. It can be easily accessed by:
- Taxi: a short ride from the Medina or city center (about 10-15 minutes)
- Tourist buses: most Marrakech tours include a visit to Majorelle Garden
- Walking: for those staying in the Gueliz area, the gardens are accessible on foot
Exact address: Rue Yaqoub el Mansour, Gueliz District, Marrakech.
Majorelle Garden Opening Hours
Majorelle Garden is open to visitors every day of the week, but opening hours vary according to the season:
- From October 1 to April 30: from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- From May 1 to September 30: from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- During Ramadan: hours may change
It is always recommended to check the official Majorelle Garden website for the latest opening hours before your visit.
Entry Fees to Majorelle Garden and Museum
Entry fees vary depending on the destination you wish to visit:
- Garden only ticket: 150 Moroccan dirhams for adults
- Garden + Berber Museum ticket: 200 Moroccan dirhams for adults
- Combined ticket (including Majorelle Garden and Yves Saint Laurent Museum): 300 Moroccan dirhams
Reduced rates are available for students, children, and residents in Morocco (with proof of identity). Again, it is advised to check the official website for current rates.
Buying Tickets and Avoiding Queues
Due to the popularity of Majorelle Garden and the high number of visitors, especially during peak tourist season, it is strongly recommended to:
- Purchase tickets in advance via the official website to avoid long queues
- Arrive early in the morning (at garden opening) or late afternoon to avoid crowds
- Allow extra time in your schedule in case you need to wait
What to Expect When Visiting the Gardens
During your visit to Majorelle Garden, you will be able to:
- Wander the winding paths among the diverse exotic plants
- Admire the buildings with their vibrant blue, yellow, and green colors
- Enjoy the sound of water flowing in the ponds and fountains
- Visit the Berber Museum to discover Berber culture (with an additional ticket)
- Visit the Yves Saint Laurent memorial
- Shop at the boutique that offers unique souvenirs inspired by the garden
- Relax at the café for a refreshing drink
The garden visit typically takes between one hour and an hour and a half, and if you add the Berber Museum visit, you will need an additional 30-45 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
To enjoy an ideal experience at Majorelle Garden, it is recommended to:
- Visit early in the morning, right when the garden opens, to avoid large crowds and enjoy ideal natural lighting for photography
- Avoid midday during the hot summer months (June to August)
- Visit the garden on weekdays rather than weekends if possible
- Plan your visit in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) to enjoy temperate weather
Nearby Attractions to Majorelle Garden
Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum is located just steps away from Majorelle Garden and presents a collection of the global designer’s works and Morocco’s influence on his creations. The museum opened in 2017 and includes a permanent exhibition hall of Yves Saint Laurent’s creations, a library, a performance hall, and a café.
Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts
As mentioned earlier, this museum is located inside Majorelle Garden, in the famous blue building, and presents a magnificent collection of traditional Berber arts and crafts.
The Modern Gueliz District
Majorelle Garden is located in the modern Gueliz district, which is a center for shopping, restaurants, and cafés in Marrakech. After visiting the garden, you can explore this modern district and enjoy a different experience from the traditional atmosphere of the Medina.
Conclusion: Majorelle Garden… An Artistic and Peaceful Oasis in Marrakech
Majorelle Garden represents a unique blend of artistic vision, botanical beauty, and tranquility amidst the vibrancy of Marrakech. This enchanting place has been associated with global artistic personalities like Jacques Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent, which has given it a special character that distinguishes it from other gardens around the world.
With its distinctive colors, especially the famous Majorelle Blue, its exotic plants, and peaceful atmosphere, Majorelle Garden offers an unforgettable experience to every visitor to Marrakech.
We encourage you to visit this green paradise during your next trip to Morocco, and to take advantage of the practical tips we’ve provided to plan an ideal visit, especially by purchasing your tickets in advance online. Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the place, take unforgettable photos, and share your experiences and photos after your visit!
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