Despite the reluctance of many in the city to have their image captured on film, the city already enjoys a strong relationship with the camera.
It’s the only place in Morocco that can boast an art venue — Galerie 127 — that exclusively exhibits photographs.
Recently it hosted an opening, at the Gallery David Bloch, by prestigious photographer Steve McCurry.
Major photography museum on the way
The city’s photography scene is likely to explode over the next few years as it prepares for the 2016 arrival of the Marrakech Museum for Photography and Visual Arts.
When it opens, the MMP+, as it’s known, is expected to be the largest space for photography and digital visual media in the world.
The imposing building will exhibit images from the 19th century alongside contemporary artists from around the world.
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Pearl Hotel (Angle Avenue, Echouhada et Rue du Temple, Hivernage, Marrakech; +212 0 524 42 42 42) has a rooftop terrace with a panoramic view over the city and the Atlas Mountains.
Palmeraie Circuit: This riverside road to the north of the city is another good place for sunsets, this time with silhouetted palm trees in the foreground.
The old medina: Best appreciated without a map since getting lost in the labyrinthine backstreets of Marrakech is the best way to escape tourist traps.
Place of the Seven Saints (Avenue 11 Janvier, Marrakech): Still largely unknown by tourists, these seven towers, each topped by a tree, were built in 2005 in honor of Marrakech’s seven patron saints.
And finally …
One note of caution: taking photographs of government buildings is forbidden and can result in arrest.
Ali Berrada is a Moroccan photographer, writer and director.
