Majorelle Garden: Marrakech's Cobalt-Blue Oasis
How to visit Majorelle Garden, from the famous Majorelle blue and the cactus collection to the Berber Museum and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, with tips on tickets and timing.
Majorelle Garden: A Splash of Blue
Majorelle Garden is the most famous garden in Marrakech and one of the most photographed places in Morocco. It was created in the 1920s and 1930s by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, who fell in love with the city and spent forty years building a garden around his studio. He painted the villa and walls a vivid cobalt blue, now called Majorelle blue, which contrasts strongly with the yellow pots, green bamboo and the many cacti and palms that fill the garden. After Majorelle's death, the property fell into disrepair, until fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé bought and restored it in 1980.
The garden covers about a hectare and holds plants from five continents, including giant cacti, bamboo groves, water lilies, bougainvillea, palms and agaves, arranged around paths, pools and fountains. The blue villa houses the Berber Museum, which displays jewelry, textiles, tools and artifacts from Morocco's Amazigh culture, and next to the garden, a separate museum is dedicated to Yves Saint Laurent, who loved Marrakech and lived there often. His ashes were scattered in the garden. It is a peaceful, beautiful place that provides a contrast with the noise of the medina.
Visiting Majorelle Garden
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | As soon as the garden opens in the morning, or in the last hour before closing, to avoid the crowds and the heat |
| Cost | Tickets cost roughly 150 dirhams for the garden, with extra charges for the Berber Museum and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum |
| Location | In the Gueliz district, about a 15-minute taxi ride from Jemaa el-Fnaa |
| How Long | Allow 60 to 90 minutes for the garden, plus time for the museums |
Making the Most of the Visit
Majorelle is one of the most popular attractions in Marrakech, and queues can be long, especially from late morning to afternoon. Buying tickets online in advance is strongly recommended, and arriving at opening time is the best way to enjoy the garden in peace. The paths are narrow, so the garden feels crowded when it fills up. Bring a hat and water, wear comfortable shoes and take your time. The cafe inside is pleasant, though prices are high, and a bookshop and boutique sit near the exit.
Combine the visit with the rest of the Gueliz district, which has cafes, restaurants, galleries and boutiques in a modern, French-built part of the city. The nearby Yves Saint Laurent Museum, a striking building of terracotta bricks, shows his designs and sketches, and is worth visiting if you are interested in fashion. The Jardin Secret in the medina is another lovely garden with a quieter atmosphere. After your visit, walk to Gueliz for lunch at one of the cafes, and then take a taxi back to the medina.
Book your ticket online for a morning time slot, bring small change for the cafe and plan to visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum next door, which has a combined ticket option. Respect the quiet atmosphere and avoid blocking the narrow paths for photographs.
