What is it?
Designed by fashionable Studio KO, this beautiful museum celebrates Marrakech’s creative chutzpah and the dazzling fashion of Algerian-born couturier Yves Saint Laurent, who drew inspiration from the city for over 40 years. The complex includes a beautiful rotating exhibit of Saint Laurent’s collection alongside a temporary exhibition space, research library, auditorium, café and an excellent bookshop.
Is it worth visiting?
Definitely if you want to understand the creative DNA of Marrakech and why it continues to inspire so many artists and designers. The permanent installation brilliantly curates written and spoken word interviews, iconic photographs, sketches and film extracts that contextualise the artful garments in a deeply emotional display. Ethereal models sashay towards you in floating projections above mannequins dressed in dazzling clothes, bold jewellery and embellished accessories. Like Marrakech, it is alive and exciting.
Tickets, accessibility and booking
Tickets must be pre-booked online. Note, it is worth buying the combined ticket which includes the next door Jardin Majorelle – where Yves St Laurent lived – and the Museum of Berber Arts (housed in Jardin Majorelle). See the latter first to understand how heavily YSL was influenced by Moroccan arts and crafts. Tickets for the Yves St Laurent Museum cost 135MAD (approx. £11) while a combined ticket costs 315MAD (approx £25). The museum is wheelchair accessible.
Where’s good to eat near MYSLM?
The museum café is a light contemporary space with an outdoor courtyard and menu featuring organic salads and light Moroccan meals. However, it does get busy. An excellent alternative is Moro Marrakech, located just the other side of Jardin Majorelle.
