MACAAL – Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden

MACAAL, the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden, is one of the most important contemporary art institutions on the African continent. Founded through the philanthropic initiative of Alami and Farida Lazraq via the Alliances Foundation, the museum opened in 2016 and officially launched its public programming in 2018. Located in the upscale Al Maaden district of Marrakech, near the Al Maaden Golf Resort, the building was designed by French architect Didier Lefort using red brick that echoes the architecture of the city’s historic medina. The museum is dedicated to the promotion of African art through educational programming, thought-provoking exhibitions, and the acquisition of works by both established and emerging artists. Its permanent collection comprises over 3,000 works from more than 30 African countries, curated to reflect the diversity and creative energy of the continent. A major exhibition titled Seven Contours, One Collection, curated by Zamân Books & Curating, was launched in 2024 to mark the museum’s reopening following renovation. In addition to its permanent galleries, MACAAL hosts temporary exhibitions, guided tours, artistic workshops, and an outdoor sculpture park known as the Al Maaden Sculpture Park. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and is committed to making art accessible to African citizens and the broader public. It also maintains an active residency and education programme for young cultural professionals.