The Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL) in Marrakech has reopened with an expanded vision, unveiling a permanent exhibition and redesigned spaces aimed at deepening engagement with contemporary African art.
The reopening marks a pivotal moment for the institution as it strengthens its role as a leading platform for artistic dialogue on the continent.
At the core of this transformation is 7 Contours, 1 Collection, a permanent exhibition drawn from the Lazraq family’s extensive collection. Featuring over 150 works across painting, sculpture, textiles, photography, and multimedia installations, the exhibition rotates selections over time, offering a dynamic exploration of contemporary African art.
Thematically structured, it examines issues such as decolonization, globalization, and environmental change, incorporating insights from scholars and cultural critics. Artists such as Joël Andrianomearisoa, Salah El Mur, and Hassan Hajjaj are among those represented, contributing to a diverse and evolving narrative.
Beyond its permanent collection, MACAAL has also introduced annual site-specific commissions, with recent works by Salima Naji and Aïcha Snoussi expanding the museum’s engagement with large-scale, immersive art.
The newly established Artist Room provides a dedicated space for solo and group exhibitions, beginning with a showcase by French-Moroccan artist Sara Ouhaddou. Additionally, the museum’s new Timeline Room links key historical events with artistic milestones, while a New Media Library archives digital, sound, and performance art from the 1990s to the present.
With these additions, MACAAL positions itself as both a cultural landmark and an educational resource, fostering accessibility and discourse around contemporary African art. The museum’s expansion signals a renewed commitment to showcasing Africa’s artistic contributions within a broader global framework.
