The Ville des Arts in Casablanca is a small venue that, in practice, functions as a contemporary art museum. But not only that. We referred to it in a past post about its ‘sister’ villa in Rabat, with which it is inevitably compared. And although they have many points in common, there are also other details that differentiate them. In the following lines, we review them.
Origin, Values, and Atmosphere
Like the one in Rabat, the Ville des Arts in Casablanca is a project launched by Grupo ONA (Omnium Nord Africain), one of the largest business groups in the country. And its reason for being is not for profit, at least not directly: with this space dedicated to the plastic and performing arts, and to the human sciences, this conglomerate seeks to expand the appreciation for culture among its compatriots.
This is aided by the unbeatable setting in which its collections and events are inserted: an art deco-style mansion from the times of the French Protectorate, which has a main building and a small paved esplanade in local Taza stone, with a jet fountain in the center, flanked by a green space with rows of date palms and acacias. In addition, a pleasant pergola allows visitors a moment of rest and contemplation.
The mansion itself consists of two floors (ground floor and first floor), which was stripped of its private character to give it a public and cultural use: public, because anyone can access it for free (although the venue belongs to the aforementioned business conglomerate); and cultural because its rooms and corridors now house works of contemporary art, in many cases with comfortable sofas nearby for a more peaceful and pleasant enjoyment.
The staircase, moreover, is not merely a place of passage between both floors, but an artistic element in itself, with a cast iron railing of smooth and undulating shapes.
Collection, Exhibitions, and Events
As we said, the Ville des Arts in Casablanca is distinguished by the contemporary art exhibitions it organizes inside. In many cases, with its own funds, but also with loans from other institutions and collectors. And it can be said that its main proposal is abstract works of art, a modern current that goes very well with the non-figurative conception of Islamic art. In any case, the genres and disciplines include drawing, prints, painting, photography, sculpture, and even textile support.
In this way, it is common to see on its walls works by great Moroccan artists, as well as international creators, such as Ahmed Cherkaoui, Jiali Gharbaoui, Farid Belakia, Mohamed Chabaa, Mohamed Melehi, Fouad Bellamine, or Miloud Labied.
In addition to these works of art, generally colorful and evocative, other events for all audiences are organized in this mansion and the esplanade. Highlights include theater performances and other shows, such as musical and dance performances. Or the cultural workshops that are organized throughout the year, with special attention to the youngest and children’s audiences.
Practical Information about the Ville Des Arts in Casablanca
Since Casablanca does not have a historical medina as suggestive and monumental as those of Fez or Marrakech, going to this Ville des Arts can be an interesting proposal if you are going to spend more than a day in this city. This is the information you should keep in mind for it:
- Opening and hours: Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday), from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Entrance fee: free access to the esplanade and the mansion. Performances and workshops may have an entrance fee
- Address: 30 Boulevard Brahim Roudani, 20000 Casablanca Morocco
- Website: https://www.villadesarts.ma/accueil
Photo: “Villa des Arts (Casablanca, Maroc)” by Thibaut Fleuret, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
