Museum Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent “Marrakech taught me color”

The flamboyant fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and Marrakech are inextricably linked. It’s just that a street was named after him after his death; Rue Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech. And not without reason, because on this street is the world-famous Majorelle garden, where his beloved holiday home Villa Oasis is idyllically tucked away.

In the 1960s, Morocco had an enormous attraction to artists, writers, hippies, and so on to Yves. He makes a tour of Morocco with his partner Pierre Bergé and they are captivated by its beauty. To seal their love for the country, they buy an authentically decorated house in the medina of Marrakech: Dar el Hanch. In the years that follow, he will visit the city often and get inspired for his designs, which previously contained many shades of black.

In particular, the colorful souks, the African skies, the population, the Berber tradition of clothing and jewelry, and the beautiful play of light and shadow on the terracotta-colored city walls are elements that nurture creativity. Or did the old town remind him of his childhood in his hometown Oran in Algeria? He describes his sense of the discovery of color as follows:

“On every street corner in Marrakech, you encounter astonishingly vivid groups of men and women, which stand out in a blend of pink, blue, green, and purple caftans. It’s astonishing to realize that these groups, which seem to be drawings or paintings and which evoke Delacroix’s sketches, are really just improvised from life.” Yves Saint Laurent, cited in Yves Saint Laurent, by Laurence Benaïm

In 1980 he heard that his favorite but dilapidated Marjorelle garden had to make room for one hotel. His foresight made him decide to buy the property. He wanted the once impressive botanical garden, which the painter Jacques Majorelle started to create in 1924, back to its former flourishing glory. The garden with its famous Majorelle blue timbre, the art deco workshop where nowadays Museum Berbere is located and Villa Bou Saf Saf (Villa oasis) has, because of him, become the main attraction of Marrakech. A legacy that will enchant for generations to come, as it enraptured many brilliant creations on the catwalk.

Museum Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech

An ode to the French fashion designer, who died in 2008, is what his life companion is passionate about. From their foundation Yves Saint Laurent – Pierre Berge, among other things, the management and preservation of the Jardin Majorelle are guaranteed. Moreover, it ensures that the taboo-breaking fashion creations of his almost 50-year career, such as “Le smoking” for women, will not be forgotten. No better way to be impressed with his extensive oeuvre than through a timeless museum.

The hearts of fashion admirers and museum enthusiasts beat faster in 2017 when the doors of his closed workshop in Paris were opened to the public. The mecca of haute couture: coming closer to the master and seeing his clothes and accessories is almost impossible… And yet it is! Because in the same year, a new, but already iconic, building was unveiled on Rue Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech: The YSL museum.

The complex is built of terracotta stones and the design blends in sublime with the decor of the Red city. The traditional houses from the city served as inspiration for the layout; the Riad with its salons situated around the patio are the blueprint for the design. When entering the museum your eye will notice his well-known signature in stone, as an eye-catcher and also a great opportunity to take a photo. Because of this you almost forget to also aim upwards, where you see heaven and earth merge in a wavy line in the details of the building.

Inside you will discover that a cinema has been set up where archival footage of his fashion shows is displayed. You can also watch a favorite film by Yves and Pierre here every Tuesday evening! Space is opened to temporarily exhibit work by artists, other fashion designers, or young talent. Beautiful pictures of his muse Catherine Deneuve in YSL creations with Marrakech in the background hang in one passage. And of course, there is also the Garden of Eden, which features dazzling pieces from his haute couture oeuvre to be viewed. Most special is the clothing that he designed with the inspiration of his beloved city.

Yves’ enduring connection with Marrakech extends beyond Jardin Majorelle, the YSl museum, and the street that bears his name. After his death, his ashes were scattered in the garden of Villa Oasis. You cannot wish this Fashion King a better resting place. Born on African grounds and after a colorful life journey reunited with its source of inspiration!

We recommend that you visit the museum in combination with a visit to Jardin Majorelle in the early morning because it is still quiet. The garden is open at 8 a.m. and afterward, you can visit the YSL museum around 5:00 pm to take beautiful pictures during the beautiful light of the golden hour. With a combination ticket, you are cheaper!

You can go for a drink or lunch in both the garden and the museum. Or visit the restaurant My Kawa for a delicious pastry, located opposite the Heritage Berbere shop.

It is a 45-minute walk from Riad Orange. We also offer the pick-up and drop-off service by a private driver. Or choose a local taxi.