Rabat- Tangier’s Kasbah prison has been rehabilitated and transformed into a museum, with the new cultural center opening on Thursday, December 24.
Located in one of the most central, essential spaces of the Kasbah Palace in Tangier, the new cultural space is set to be as inclusive, accessible, and multi-purpose as possible..
The president of Morocco’s National Museum Foundation (FNM), Mehdi Qotbi, said the new museum “has been fully restored and made available to the Foundation, transforming the previously morose space into a place of hope.”
Named “Contemporary Art Museum of the Kasbah,” the space is set to welcome visitors, and intends to host many regional cultural programs and events.
Taking up over 1225 square meters, the museum’s inaugural exhibition tackled the cultural mix and diversity of the regional art scene with over 70 pieces.
Themed, “The School of the North,” the exhibition shed lights on the works of Mohamed Serghini, Mohamed Atallah, Mohamed Yacoubi, Mohamed Chabâa, Saad Ben Cheffaj, Mekki Meghara, Mohamed Melehi, and Abdelkrim Ouazzani.
Through their artwork, these artists highlight the artistic school of Northern Morocco, making essential contributions to Morocco’s national artistic scenery.
The launch of the new museum coincided with the 10th anniversary of the National Foundation of Museums (FNM).
The opening ceremony for the new cultural center was attended by the President of the Council of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, Omar Moro, and various intellectuals, artists, and cultural actors of the city.
Created in 2011, FNM is an independent non-profit institution that manages Morocco’s public museums. It currently manages 13 museums in eight different cities.
The foundation’s missions also include the promotion of Morocco’s culture and heritage.