Yves Saint Laurent Museum In Marrakesh

Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakesh: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Information

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the vibrant city of Marrakesh, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech (mYSLm) is a landmark that celebrates not only the legacy of one of fashion’s greatest visionaries but also his unique and enduring relationship with Morocco. Since Yves Saint Laurent’s first visit in 1966, the city’s colors, patterns, and culture have left an indelible mark on his work—an influence now immortalized in both the museum and the adjacent Jardin Majorelle, a lush botanical garden restored by Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé (GCC Media, Third Eye Traveller).

Opened in 2017 and designed by Studio KO, the museum harmoniously blends modern architectural innovation with traditional Moroccan elements, making it a standout destination for lovers of art, history, design, and culture. This guide provides comprehensive information on visiting hours, ticket options, accessibility, and practical tips to ensure you make the most of your visit to this emblematic site.

Yves Saint Laurent’s Marrakesh Connection

Yves Saint Laurent’s relationship with Marrakesh began in 1966. Enchanted by the city’s vibrant atmosphere, Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé purchased and lovingly restored Jardin Majorelle, turning it into a personal sanctuary and wellspring of inspiration. The garden’s signature cobalt blue, lush flora, and tranquil pathways found their echoes in Saint Laurent’s collections, where Moroccan motifs, traditional caftans, and intricate embroidery became recurring themes (GCC Media, Third Eye Traveller).

The Villa Oasis, their residence near the garden, served as both a retreat and creative studio, further deepening the designer’s artistic ties to Marrakesh.

Architectural Vision and Museum Design

Conceived by French architects Studio KO, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech is a testament to the marriage of fashion and architecture. The building’s façade is composed of geometric terracotta brickwork, reminiscent of woven fabric, and its interior features a circular courtyard that creates a serene transition from the bustling city to the curated world inside (World of Interiors).

The museum’s design prioritizes both aesthetics and preservation, with climate-controlled galleries, a research library, auditorium, and café. Traditional Moroccan materials and craftsmanship are seamlessly integrated, linking the museum to its cultural context.

Permanent and Rotating Collections

Core Collection

Drawn from the Fondation Pierre Bergé–Yves Saint Laurent, the museum’s permanent collection features a rotating selection of over 5,000 garments and 15,000 accessories, as well as sketches, photographs, and personal mementos. Highlights include the iconic Mondrian dress, “Le Smoking” tuxedo, and vibrant Moroccan-inspired caftans (Vogue).

Temporary Exhibitions

The museum regularly hosts acclaimed special exhibitions:

“Les Fleurs d’Yves Saint Laurent” (March 2, 2024 – January 5, 2025): A joint exhibition with the Paris museum, exploring Saint Laurent and Bergé’s fascination with botanical motifs (Musée YSL Marrakech, Jardin Majorelle).
“Yves Saint Laurent: The Hamish Bowles Collection” (Jan 30, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026): Features 53 rare vintage garments from Hamish Bowles’ private collection, offering an intimate look at Saint Laurent’s creative periods (Hubé Magazine).
Past exhibitions have included themes like “Line and Expression,” exploring Saint Laurent’s drawing process, and retrospectives of his most influential collections.

Exhibition spaces are designed to evoke couture ateliers, enhanced by dramatic lighting and multimedia installations.

Visiting Information

Location and Access

Address: 5 Rue Yves Saint Laurent, Ville Nouvelle district, Marrakesh
Getting There: The museum is adjacent to Jardin Majorelle. It’s easily accessible by taxi and is a short ride from the Medina. Parking is limited, so taxis or public transportation are recommended.
Accessibility: Fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, featuring ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms.

Opening Hours

Museum: Open daily, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM)
Jardin Majorelle: Open daily, 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
Closures: Check the official website for holiday or Ramadan variations.

Tickets and Booking

Museum only: ~135 MAD (about £11)
Combined ticket (Museum, Jardin Majorelle, Museum of Berber Arts): ~315 MAD (about £25)
Reduced rates: For students, seniors, and children under 12 (free)
Booking: Advance online booking is mandatory; no tickets are sold at the entrance. Book via the official website.

Group Visits and Tours

Groups require reservation, with guided tours typically in the mornings. Tours last about one hour and offer in-depth insights into the collections and architecture.

Visitor Experience and Practical Tips

Visitor Flow: The museum is popular, especially on weekends and holidays. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
Photography: Permitted in designated areas without flash or tripods. For the best photos, take quick shots and return for unobstructed views.
Bags: Large bags are not permitted due to security measures; bring only small personal items.
Amenities: Enjoy organic salads and Moroccan dishes at the café with a garden patio. The bookshop offers over 5,000 volumes, and the gift shop features prints, books, and YSL-inspired souvenirs.
Time Needed: Allow 1–2 hours for a full visit, plus extra for the café and bookshop.

Combined Visits: Jardin Majorelle and Museum of Berber Arts

A visit to the museum is best paired with the adjacent Jardin Majorelle and Museum of Berber Arts. Jardin Majorelle is famed for its striking blue architecture and lush botanical displays, while the Berber Arts Museum showcases Morocco’s indigenous heritage—a major influence on Saint Laurent’s work (Third Eye Traveller).

Special Events and Programming

The museum hosts a dynamic calendar of temporary exhibitions, talks, workshops, and film screenings. These events foster dialogue around fashion, art, and Moroccan culture. Check the museum’s event calendar for current programming.

Research and Documentation

The Fondation Pierre Bergé–Yves Saint Laurent manages the museum’s archives, supporting research and scholarship on Saint Laurent’s work. The library and documentation center (by appointment) house an extensive collection of books, sketches, photographs, and original correspondence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily (museum); 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Jardin Majorelle).

Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: Yes, all tickets must be booked online in advance.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, it is fully accessible.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Photography is allowed in designated areas without flash.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Guided tours can be booked in advance for groups.

Summary and Final Tips

The Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, alongside Jardin Majorelle and the Museum of Berber Arts, offers an immersive cultural experience that blends fashion, architecture, and Moroccan heritage. The museum’s world-class collections, dynamic special exhibitions, and thoughtful design make it a must-visit for anyone traveling to Marrakesh. For a seamless visit: