Rabat – The University Cadi Ayyad (UCA) in Marrakech will inaugurate a new international exhibition, “L’Afrique aux origines de la vie” (“Africa at the Origins of Life”), on Friday, November 28, at 10:30 a.m. Hosted at the university’s Cité des Langues et des Cultures, the exhibition runs until February 28, 2026, and is open to the public during regular opening hours with no entrance fees.
Designed for visitors of all ages, the exhibition tells the vast story of life’s emergence on Earth – from the earliest microbes to the first hominids – while highlighting Africa’s role as an “exceptional window” on our deepest past.
Drawing on discoveries from Morocco, Gabon, Mauritania, Namibia, and other African countries, the exhibition brings cutting-edge scientific research within reach of the general public in Marrakech.
A journey from big questions to concrete evidence
The exhibition’s narrative arc begins with the fundamental questions: What is life? How do scientists reconstruct the past?
From there, visitors move into the realm of evidence and scientific hypotheses: Prebiotic chemistry and the conditions that may have allowed life to emerge; the famous Miller experiment simulating early Earth; some of the first fossils known to science; stromatolites and other traces of ancient microbial activity; and even the exploration of possible life elsewhere in the universe.
Fourteen educational panels and 11 interactive stations structure the experience. Each thematic “island” is designed to be clear and concrete, encouraging visitors to observe, compare, and manipulate objects or models. The emphasis on hands-on engagement aims to deepen understanding and support long-term retention, especially for younger audiences.
The exhibition also places a strong focus on education and outreach. Families and casual visitors benefit from extended opening hours and regular mediation sessions. School groups can access guided tours, worksheets, and workshops tailored to different age levels. University students and researchers are invited to attend conferences, expert talks, and specialized visits that link the exhibition content to ongoing academic work in geology, biology, and Earth sciences.
Immersive ‘museum-plus’ design
Beyond its scientific content, “L’Afrique aux origines de la vie” distinguishes itself through a carefully designed immersive scenography. The space features directional LED lighting, 12 illuminated display cases, a large chronological timeline, decorative wall treatments, and even a staged “garden” that helps situate the story of life within a broader natural context.
Digital tools play a key role as well. Screens and 3D hologram systems introduce striking visual effects while respecting the scientific message, making complex concepts more accessible and visually engaging. The exhibition’s strong visual design also offers rich potential for media coverage and content creators, from science communicators to educational influencers.
With this initiative, UCA positions Marrakech as a hub for public engagement with Earth and life sciences, while reaffirming Africa’s central place in the global narrative of evolution. For local residents, schools, and visitors alike, the exhibition provides a rare opportunity to explore billions of years of history — starting right under their feet.
