Marrakech – The opening of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair Marrakech 2026 took place at Maison Denise Masson, a newly inaugurated cultural venue hosted in partnership with the Institut Français Marrakech.
The choice of location set the tone for an edition rooted in exchange, memory, and intellectual heritage, aligning the fair with the spirit of the woman whose name the space carries.
Dedicated to Denise Masson, often referred to as “the Lady of Marrakech,” the house honors a pioneering intellectual whose work continues to resonate across cultures.
As the first woman to translate the Quran into French, Masson devoted her life to the study of Islam, literature, and the transmission of knowledge, forging lasting bridges between Morocco and France.
The scenography of the art fair at Maison Denise Masson was conceived by designer and scenographer Younes Duret, whose intervention subtly guides visitors through the space.
Rather than imposing a decorative framework, the set design was imagined as an extension of Masson’s life and values, allowing the narrative of the place to unfold naturally.
For Duret, the project carried a deep symbolic weight, rooted in Masson’s intellectual and spiritual contributions.
Her engagement with Islamic scholarship and the tradition of the book became central references in shaping the visual language of the space.
“She had an incredible life, and she did a lot for Islam, for the tradition of the book,” he said, describing the inspiration behind the set.
“The goal was to make it simple, for people to live her life, to understand who Denise Masson was.”
On the other hand, Flora Boillot, Deputy Director of the Institut français in Marrakech, stated, “This opening has been highly anticipated and represents a turning point for the Denise Masson House, as it is a museum space dedicated to this great translator of the Quran, A French-speaking translator, she lived a large part of her life in Marrakech and was also deceased and buried at the European cemetery of Marrakech.”
“We are fortunate to be opening this museum space as part of 1-54 Under the Sun, and to benefit from excellent visibility and from an audience that shows great interest in this museum.”
Beyond the fair itself, Maison Denise Masson opens as a long-term cultural space dedicated to dialogue and reflection.
Its temporary exhibition program launches with “Lumières” a solo exhibition by Franco-Moroccan artist Mustapha Azeroual, curated by Marjolaine Lévy, offering a poetic exploration of light as both material and experience.
Duret’s invitation to the public reflects the spirit of the place and the intention behind the design.
“Come and visit the exhibition. It’s a beautiful place, and you will learn a lot about this woman. She did so much for Morocco, for Marrakech, and for Islam.”
