La Villa des Arts de Rabat is one of the most recommended places for travelers who love art and tranquility. It is a surprising space that overflows with creativity and is inspiring for anyone who visits it. In this post we give you information about it: what it is, where it is, what you can see in it…
What is the Villa Des Arts De Rabat and where is it Located
La Villa des Arts de Rabat is a multifunctional cultural center, created thanks to the artistic patronage of one of the largest Moroccan business groups: Grupo ONA (Omnium Nord Africain). In fact, it has a very similar space in Casablanca, which is a strategic commitment to be present in the capital and in the largest city in the country, respectively.
The complex consists of a neo-colonial style house, built in the 30s (time of the French Protectorate, when Rabat effectively became the capital) and a beautiful garden around it. It features a sober and white tower, which is inspired by the city’s famous Hassan Tower.
The house consists of two floors and has several patios and open spaces. The architecture uses concrete as the main material, very popular at the time of construction, but does not renounce other traditional materials and works, such as coffered wood ceilings in some rooms. In the gardens and patios, date palms coexist with Canary Island palms and sheets of water, showing the influence of Andalusian gardening.
It is located in the southern sector of the Hassan neighborhood, very close to other museum spaces, such as the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Civilizations, which forms one of the main cultural centers of the capital.
What to See and Do in the Villa Des Arts De Rabat
As we said, the Villa des Arts is not simply a museum, but a multifunctional cultural center. In fact, it regularly hosts conferences, concerts and other events with local artists, mainly, both in its interior rooms and in its exterior spaces, which are dotted with modern works.
Its rooms usually exhibit works of contemporary art, with a preference for abstract and non-figurative compositions, mainly in painting and sculpture, but there may be much more. In fact, it also opens up to photography and other current branches of art, including furniture or conceptual art. In addition, contemporary furniture plays a central role, representing a further artistic proposal during the tour.
The list of artists who exhibit or have exhibited here is very extensive, highlighting some of the big names on the local scene, such as Chaïbia, Gharbaoui, Kacimi or Cherkaoui. In addition, the presence of women artists, such as Narjisse El Joubari or Ahlam Lemseffer Mahla, is especially noticeable, which demonstrates a clear commitment to equality in this sector.
With regard to the performing arts, in the Ville des Arts you can witness shows as varied as performances by choral groups, breaking dance performances, gnawa folk music or puppet theaters, among other options.
Practical Information for Visiting the Villa Des Arts De Rabat
If you are planning to visit the Villa des Arts de Rabat, you will find the following practical information useful:
- Opening and hours: Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday), from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Ticket price: free access to the site and the rooms. Performances may have an entrance fee, so it is advisable to check in each case
- Address: 10 Rue Beni Mellal, Hassan, Rabat 10000, Morocco
- Website: https://www.villadesarts.ma/accueil
Photo: Nawalbennani on Wikipedia (CC 3.0 license)
