Top 7 Art Galleries in Casablanca-Settat, Casablanca-Settat

Reviewed By SolomonBinding - London, United Kingdom

This exciting building is housed in a converted old madrassa. A couple of the people I've been there with or have met there have told me about their lessons in the school when they were young. It was disused for some years and finally funding was obtained for the transformation into a regional centre for handicrafts. The edifice comprises three floors and a roof terrace. The walls are ancient and thus are thick, allowing the surroundings to be cool in the summer. The large courtyard is ideal for gatherings and exhibitions - the first one I attended very soon after the opening was one organised by the Institut Francais of photographs from a Moroccan photographer. There is enough room to mingle and for the buffet tables that are normal at these events to be set out. Also on the ground floor is a fixed price shop selling handicrafts from the region - these are all authentic, well made and at reasonable prices. Leading off the shop is a large auditorium where I have also attended a reading of Arab-language poems by poets of several nationalities, one from as far away as Iraq. Around the courtyard are several workshops where local craftsmen make their wares and display them. These continue up to the first floor too. Azemmour is known for its embroidery and there are a couple of spaces selling beautiful, hand-crafted work for reasonable prices. The second floor is mainly classrooms of varying disciplines. One of the aims of the Maison d'Artisanat is to engender and continue the tradition of arts and crafts before they are lost. Apprentices and students are learning to keep these skills alive. On the roof terrace, which is unused (maybe they should put a cafe there) are the most stunning views of Azemmour and the river imaginable. There's even a sea view. A charitable association meets regularly in the premises to develop ways to enhance the offerings of the building and to make the traditions more well known. I sat in on one of their meetings the other day and was impressed by the dedication and zeal of the members. Even nicer, I shared the huge couscous that had been prepared by the group! I really do recommend a visit here. If in Azemmour, it is not to be missed.