Dar Si Said Museum

Dar si Said museum: a palace hidden in a house

The Moroccan word for house (Dar) in the name of this museum almost seems to mislead you, because it’s not just a house behind the large and original cedar doors of the Dar si Said museum but a true palace!

It is hidden in the old town of Marrakech, in the same area where Riad Orange is located. This neighborhood, called Riad Zitoun, was built on the spot where there used to be olive trees (zitoun). The area grew in status when the Grand Vizier of Marrakech decided to enter the Palais de Bahia here in 1894 when it was further built.

The legendary palace is known for its beautiful decorations and zellige, as well as the many concubines and children that this mighty man had. Meant to feed so many mouths, a good supply of food was brought in through the back door of the palace. That’s how the street of Riad Orange has been such an access road for a horse and carriage.

A large family in a large palace also needs a huge court. The notables who work for the grand vizier were allowed to live on the stand in the Riad Zitoun district. They showed beautiful building city villas or already moved into a classy house, such as Riad Orange.

The grand vizier’s brother, named Si Said, also settled in the area. He rented the country’s best Moroccan artisans to create his beautiful palace. But the title would always stay home – Dar so as not to lift his brother’s eyes. After all, there was only one beautiful palace, the literal meaning of Palais de Bahia. And so the brothers remained good neighbors!

Dar Si Said Museum: An impressive monument

During the time of the French protectorate, Dar Si Said changed function and was opened in 1932 as a museum. The French thought it was very important that this building was preserved and it is now the oldest museum in the city!

The Dar Si Said museum has a collection of textiles, jewelry, and carpets of Berber origin. A tribute to the women who master the art of knotting and weaving. Beautiful and handmade weapons are also on display. These will take you back to the rich history of the men on horseback, who used them to impress their opponents. And what will especially enchant is the palace itself. Although smaller in size than Palais de Bahia, it is just as beautiful!

The throne room is on the first floor and you will be amazed by the dazzling cedar ceilings. The mosaic on the walls and the floor is a palette of geometric shapes that make you dizzy. In the beautifully landscaped Andalusian garden, you can relax quietly from all impressions. Then be attracted to the surrounding salons, which are timeless by craftsmanship and design.

The most special creation of the palace can be found on the ground floor. A thousand years old marble fountain stood out on the impressive patio. Being a heritage from the Moorish Andalusian time and brought from Cordoba, Spain, this water source has been the showpiece for centuries. Now it is in the courtyard of the Koran school of Marrakech, Madrassa Ben Youssef. A very rare antique from a rich historical past!

In the peaceful Dar Si Said museum, you may be able to take better photos than in the always busy Palais de Bahia. Do you want to explore the neighborhood even more or learn about Berber history? Then you can visit the Musee Tiskiwin. Or do you feel like enjoying yourself with a snack and a drink in the idyll of a paradise city garden? Then we recommend the lunch restaurant La Famille!