Musée des Confluences Dar El Bacha

## Dar El Bacha: the history of a palace The Museum of Confluences occupies the former palace of the pasha of Marrakesh. Built in the early twentieth century, the residence is associated with Thami El Glaoui, appointed pasha of the city in 1912. The National Foundation of Museums restored the complex and opened it as a museum in 2017. Its location within the old medina places it within the history of Marrakesh's urban residences and courtly life. ## Architecture and domestic spaces The architectural composition follows the riad tradition, with reception rooms arranged around a garden courtyard, fountains and orange trees. Zellige tilework, carved cedar, painted timber and sculpted plaster demonstrate the skills of Moroccan craft traditions. The building also includes a traditional hammam, service quarters, a library and former private domestic spaces. Visitors can read the palace as an architectural document illustrating ceremonial hospitality and the organisation of a large household. ## Museum programme and collections The museum explores cultural encounters and the movement of ideas and artistic forms. Its displays encompass decorative arts, ethnographic objects and temporary exhibitions concerned with Moroccan cultural heritage and exchanges across societies. Because its exhibition programme changes, the permanent heritage value of the palace should be distinguished from temporary displays. The water systems, roof construction and decorative details are themselves important parts of the interpretation. ## Planning a visit Address: 65–69 Riad Laârous, route Dar El Bacha, Marrakesh. The museum authority lists Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Mondays. Verify ticketing and opening information before travelling. Related venues include [Jardin Majorelle](/en/institutions/jardin-majorelle-marrakech), [the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts](/en/institutions/musee-pierre-berge-arts-berberes-marrakech) and [MACAAL](/en/institutions/macaal). ### Sources and image credit Institutional information: [National Foundation of Museums](https://www.fnm.ma/museums/26). Photograph: [R Prazeres](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dar_al_Bacha_Marrakesh_DSCF8822.jpg), CC BY-SA 4.0 ([licence](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)).