Majorelle Garden: A Botanical Gem in Marrakech
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Majorelle Garden is a renowned botanical garden and a major tourist attraction in Marrakech, Morocco, attracting around 600,000 visitors annually. The garden is named after its French creator, Jacques Majorelle, a painter who fell in love with Morocco and dedicated his life to creating this oasis of greenery.
Located in the upscale Kéliz district of Marrakech, Majorelle Garden spans approximately 10,000 square meters and houses around 300 species of rare and exotic plants from different continents. The garden is centered around a striking blue villa designed in the Art Deco style, which is adorned with some of Majorelle's paintings and includes museums dedicated to Berber history and Islamic art. Since 2011, the garden has been under the patronage of the French heritage label "Maisons des Illustres" and is part of the Majorelle Garden Foundation, which also includes the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
In 2022, Majorelle Garden was ranked as the second most beautiful garden in the world by HouseFresh experts, based on votes from tens of thousands of tourists.
Jacques Majorelle: The Visionary Behind the Garden
Jacques Majorelle’s fascination with the Arab world began in 1910 when he first visited Egypt. He continued to travel there annually until the outbreak of World War I in 1914, during which he served before being discharged due to respiratory issues. Majorelle’s first visit to Morocco was in 1917, during the French protectorate era. Captivated by Marrakech, he decided to settle there in 1919. In 1922, he purchased a palm grove in the northwestern part of the city and began constructing his garden in the summer of 1929 with the help of the "Robert Poisson and Paul Sinouar Company."
Majorelle was known for his passion for plants, and he created his botanical garden inspired by oasis and Islamic garden designs, combined with the splendor of tropical gardens. The garden features a central pool surrounded by exotic plants and rare species collected during Majorelle’s travels, including cacti, yuccas, water lilies, lotuses, jasmine, bougainvillea, palm trees, coconut trees, banana trees, bamboo, carob trees, agave, cypress trees, and more. It is also decorated with fountains, water ponds, ceramic jars, and shaded pathways.
In 1937, Majorelle added a distinctive touch to the garden by painting the villa and garden walls in a unique blue hue known as "Majorelle Blue," a deep, vibrant shade of blue. This color, resembling lapis lazuli or cobalt blue, created a striking visual effect and became a defining feature of the garden, which was opened to the public in 1947.
Challenges and Revival
In 1955, Majorelle suffered a serious car accident that resulted in the amputation of one of his legs. A few years later, he was severely injured in another car accident, leading to a fractured femur that required treatment in Paris. Majorelle passed away on October 14, 1962, and the garden fell into neglect for several years. However, it was rediscovered by the renowned French designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé in 1966 during their first visit to Marrakech. In 1980, they purchased the property and renamed the villa "Villa Oasis."
In his book "Yves Saint Laurent: A Moroccan Passion," published in 2010, Pierre Bergé described their immediate affection for the garden and their efforts to save it from being turned into a hotel. They restored the garden, transforming the former studio into a Moroccan Berber museum open to the public, and included exhibitions of high fashion from the Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé collection.
Recent Developments
In 2017, the garden was given a fresh coat of bright blue paint, which surprised the residents of Marrakech. This renovation was part of ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance the garden’s unique charm and appeal.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours and Admission Fees
Majorelle Garden is open year-round from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
General Admission:150 Moroccan Dirhams (approximately $15) for foreigners and 70 Moroccan Dirhams for Moroccans.
Children over 10 years old:35 Moroccan Dirhams.
Children under 10 years old: Free admission.
School Groups:15 Moroccan Dirhams (approximately $2).
As of February 30, 2023, tickets must be purchased online. It is recommended to book your Majorelle Garden tickets in advance before your visit.
Islamic Art Museum Admission Fees
General Admission: 15 Moroccan Dirhams (approximately $2).
School Groups: Free admission.
Conclusion
Majorelle Garden stands as a testament to Jacques Majorelle’s vision and passion for botany. Its combination of exotic plants, stunning architecture, and cultural significance makes it a must-visit destination in Marrakech. Whether you're a plant enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Majorelle Garden offers a unique and enriching experience. Its ongoing conservation and cultural contributions ensure it remains a cherished landmark for future generations.