The Amazigh Museum of Culture — a taste of Berber tradition in Agadir
The Amazigh Museum of Culture, or Heritage Museum, is one of Agadir’s most fascinating public institutions. Its home is a modern-style building, which opened on 29 February 2000, many years after the devastating earthquake that struck the city in 1960.
This is an essential visit on any break to Agadir because within a single building, it offers the whole gamut of Berber culture, including art works and crafts. In addition, it is an interesting cultural centre, offering seminars, audiovisual presentations and themed exhibitions. To visit the Museum, make your way to Ait Souss Passage, next to Hassan II Avenue.
A trip to Agadir offers the opportunity to do so much more than just enjoy long walks along the beach, fun water sports, an enriching gastronomic experience, and active excursions — you can also learn something of Morocco’s history and culture. On your next trip to Morocco, don’t miss the chance to spend a few hours in this city that, like the Phoenix, rose from the ashes to reinvent itself after the devastation of the 1960 earthquake.
Other cultural visits not to be missed in Agadir include the new Medina, created with a charming medieval aesthetic, and the city’s two mosques Mohamed V and Loubnane.
- The importance of the Berber heritage
- Collections to visit
- Temporary exhibitions
- Where to eat near the Museum
- Where to stay near the Museum
The importance of the Berber heritage
A visit to the Amazigh Museum of Culture (or Musée Municipal du Patrimoine Amazigh d’Agadir) allows one to appreciate the importance of the Souss Massa region’s Berber heritage and its role in the history of Morocco. In case you weren’t aware, the name “Amazigh” denotes the inhabitants of the area lying between the deserts of Egypt and the Atlantic Ocean (North Africa). Berber culture predates the Romans, and had a fairly democratic society in which the tribes were the entities that governed the people. Each of these families or tribes had its own distinctive signs, symbols, clothing, and so on. This museum of over 1,000 m2 offers a wealth of knowledge.
Collections to visit
The Amazigh Museum of Culture occupies three floors containing over 900 very well documented pieces. There are ceramics, old manuscripts, tools used in woodworking crafts, musical instruments, furniture, rugs and — the museum’s star exhibit — the Masa necklace, which is kept in the Treasure Room. Collectively, these items give us an idea of how the Amazigh or Berber peoples lived during past centuries.
Among the most noteworthy collections are the ones dedicated to the Souss region’s architectural heritage, and to traditional weapons — as well as the extensive section devoted to Berber jewellery.
Temporary exhibitions
In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also houses temporary exhibitions, mainly of works by local artists — a good way to round off your visit, and to see the region’s emerging artistic trends. Set aside a morning or an afternoon to browse this fascinating cultural space that offers a broad perspective on the past, present and future of the people of Morocco. To get the very most from your visit, the best plan is to take advantage of a guided visit, but if this is not possible, the printed information will guide you through the various rooms.
Where to eat near the Museum
In Agadir, it is never difficult to find bars and restaurants where you can have a meal at any time of day. A mere stone’s throw from the Amazigh Museum of Culture is Café La Fountaine, a snack-bar-cum-cake shop that could well become your favourite place in Agadir. It has a terrace, and is a splendid place to try the city’s sweet treats.
If you prefer something more substantial, such as a burger, the Brooklynburger Agadir is also very close to the museum, and has a modern ambience. It, too, has a terrace, and all the food on offer is both appetising and filling. Perfect for families. If you prefer pizza, there is a franchise next door.
Two minutes from the museum is the Côté Court Agadir Restaurant, a place with a laid-back atmosphere. Housed within a tennis club, it offers a limited menu of carefully prepared dishes, along with wine and beer. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and you don’t need to be a member of the club to eat here.
Where to stay near the Museum
Among the best options for accommodation in Agadir is the Allegro Agadir, a newly refurbished hotel with an attractive, modern style. It stands beside the beach, and is only ten minutes from the city’s historic quarter, making it a perfect choice for surfers, beach lovers and those who want to explore the city on foot.
The hotel has 321 spacious guest rooms, and its public areas include a large swimming pool, gardens, two bars, and a restaurant. Its leisure and entertainment on offer is the perfect complement to the cultural possibilities afforded by the city of Agadir.
And if you’re travelling with children, you’ll be interested to know that the Allegro Agadir offers a Mini Club with a fun programme of activities for children, along with a pool and a garden exclusively for their use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of the museum?
The Amazigh Museum of Culture opens Monday - Saturday, from 9.30 a.m. until 5.30 p.m.. Try to allocate plenty of time for your visit, as its three floors contain over 900 exhibits related to the region’s Berber history and culture, as well as a room devoted to temporary exhibitions.
What can visitors see in the museum?
This modern-style museum opened in 2000, and houses a wide collection relating to the history and culture of the Berbers, or Amazigh people. There are displays of all aspects of Berber life: clothing, furniture, jewellery, and interesting craft exhibits.
Where is the museum?
Agadir’s Amazigh Museum of Culture is next to Hassan II Avenue, in the Ait Souss Passage. Close by, you will find the pretty Ibn Zaidoun Gardens, so you may like to fit in a visit to both these places.
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