Visual Art History in Morocco: From Early Influences to the Contemporary Era

Abstract

This paper examines the evolution of art history in Morocco, spotlighting how museums and cultural institutions have shaped—and been shaped by—the country’s broader social, political, and educational transformations. Beginning with the early European artistic interest in Morocco during the 19th century, the study traces how the French and Spanish Protectorates introduced institutional frameworks and “Indigenous Arts” policies that affected both traditional crafts and emerging modern arts. Post-independence, local intellectuals and policymakers sought to reclaim and redefine cultural governance, leading to the establishment of major art schools (notably in Tétouan and Casablanca) and the adoption of “new museology” principles emphasizing community inclusion and educational outreach. The paper then explores significant contemporary reforms, including the founding of the National Foundation of Museums (FNM) in 2011. Empowered by new legislation, the FNM has overseen the modernization of national museums, introducing unified management standards and international best practices. This institutional recalibration culminated in the opening of the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMVI) in Rabat—Morocco’s first major public museum fully dedicated to modern and contemporary works. By linking heritage preservation with cutting-edge artistic production, and by reaching out to diverse audiences, the Moroccan museum landscape has emerged as a vibrant space that marries local cultural identities with global art dialogues. In examining these developments, the paper illustrates how colonial-era legacies, post-independence aspirations, and current initiatives converge in Morocco’s dynamic art scene, ensuring that an increasingly inclusive and forward-looking framework shapes cultural creation and appreciation nationwide.