Dar Al Ala – Musée de la Musique Andalouse

Dar Al Ala is a unique cultural institution in Casablanca dedicated to the living tradition of Moroccan Andalusian music, one of the most treasured performing arts of the Moroccan cultural heritage. Established in 2011 under the initiative of the Moroccan Association of Andalusian Music Lovers, the museum serves as both a preservation centre and an active performance venue. The name Dar Al Ala translates as the House of the Lute, reflecting the institution’s focus on the classical music tradition brought to Morocco by Moorish and Jewish musicians expelled from Al-Andalus following the fall of Granada in 1492. The museum’s collection includes rare instruments, historical documents, sheet music, photographs, and recordings that trace the evolution of Moroccan Andalusian music through its various regional schools, including the Fez, Rabat, Tetouan, and Casablanca traditions. Regular concerts and recitals by master musicians are organized within the museum’s intimate performance space, providing audiences with an opportunity to experience this refined musical tradition live. The institution also offers educational workshops and courses for students and music enthusiasts interested in learning the traditional repertoire. Dar Al Ala is a valuable complement to Casablanca’s wider cultural landscape and a key centre for the transmission of one of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritages. Visitors are encouraged to contact the museum in advance to confirm opening hours and upcoming events.