When you think of Marrakech, the first images that come to mind are bustling souks, vibrant colors, and centuries-old palaces. Yet, nestled near the famous Jardin Majorelle, stands one of the city’s most modern cultural landmarks — the Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech. Opened in 2017, the museum is not only a celebration of the legendary French designer but also a testimony to Marrakech’s profound influence on his creative vision.
In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know: Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech tickets, opening hours, the YSL shop, why the museum exists in Morocco, and even how the museum connects with the iconic Jardin Majorelle.
Why Is There a YSL Museum in Marrakech?
Many visitors wonder: Why would Yves Saint Laurent, one of the most Parisian of designers, have a museum in Morocco? The answer lies in a love affair that began in 1966. Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé first visited Marrakech and instantly fell in love with the city. They were captivated by its vivid colors, diverse textures, and vibrant street life — inspirations that would fuel YSL’s collections for decades.
Marrakech became Saint Laurent’s second home, a creative retreat where he designed some of his most groundbreaking works. He once said:
“Marrakech taught me color.”
The museum, therefore, isn’t just a showcase of fashion — it is a cultural homage to the place that transformed his artistry.
Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech Tickets
Getting access to the museum is straightforward, but planning ahead is wise. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance. Prices typically range between 100–130 MAD (around 9–12 EUR) for adults, with discounts for students and locals.
Many visitors choose a combined ticket for the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and Jardin Majorelle, which often saves time and money. These two landmarks are located just steps from each other, making it easy to explore them in one visit.
💡 Tip for Travelers: Lines at Jardin Majorelle can get very long, especially in peak season (spring and autumn). Booking a combined ticket online lets you skip the wait.
Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech Opening Hours
The YSL Museum Marrakech opening hours are designed to suit travelers’ schedules:
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Daily: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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Closed on Wednesdays
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Last entry: 30 minutes before closing
During Ramadan and public holidays, hours may change slightly, so it’s best to double-check before your visit.
What to See Inside the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
The museum isn’t just a fashion exhibit — it’s an immersive journey into Yves Saint Laurent’s creative world. Here’s what you’ll find:
1. Permanent Exhibition Hall
Showcasing over 5,000 items of clothing and 15,000 haute couture accessories, this gallery traces Saint Laurent’s journey from Paris runways to Marrakech inspirations. Unlike traditional museums, the display is not static; it rotates pieces regularly to preserve fabrics.
2. Temporary Exhibitions
The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions highlighting photography, contemporary Moroccan art, and even works by international artists.
3. Auditorium
This state-of-the-art space screens documentaries about YSL’s life, Morocco, and the history of fashion.
4. Research Library
A treasure for fashion lovers, with thousands of books dedicated to fashion, botany, Berber culture, and North African heritage.
5. YSL Museum Marrakech Shop
The on-site boutique is a must-stop. From YSL Marrakech tote bags to exclusive art books and design objects, the shop offers souvenirs that blend Moroccan craftsmanship with Parisian elegance.
Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the Jardin Majorelle
No visit to the museum is complete without a stroll through the Jardin Majorelle. Originally created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, the garden was rescued and restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in the 1980s.
Today, the garden is a lush paradise of exotic plants, cacti, and bamboo groves, all set against the striking cobalt-blue villa that has become Instagram-famous. For many visitors, the Yves Saint Laurent Garden and the museum together form one of the most beautiful cultural experiences in Marrakech.
Yves Saint Laurent Morocco: Beyond Fashion
Saint Laurent’s relationship with Morocco wasn’t only about fashion. He and Bergé invested in preserving Moroccan culture and heritage. They restored traditional riads, supported artisans, and even helped in the conservation of local crafts.
This deep connection explains why Yves Saint Laurent’s ashes were scattered in Marrakech, within the grounds of Jardin Majorelle — making the city forever tied to his memory.
Practical Information for Visitors
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📍 Location: Rue Yves Saint Laurent, Marrakech (next to Jardin Majorelle)
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🎟 Tickets: Around 100–130 MAD; combined museum + garden tickets available
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🕙 Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM, closed Wednesdays
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🚖 Getting There: Take a taxi from the medina (around 20–30 MAD), or walk if you’re nearby.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
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Go Early or Late – Midday is the busiest; mornings or late afternoons are quieter.
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Combine with Jardin Majorelle – Buy a joint ticket to maximize your cultural experience.
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Photography Rules – Photography is allowed in some areas but not in the permanent exhibition hall.
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Café & Bookstore – The museum café offers light meals and drinks, perfect for a break after exploring.
Why the Yves Saint Laurent Museum Matters Today
The museum isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about keeping YSL’s spirit alive in a city that shaped him. It has become a cultural hub in Marrakech, blending fashion, Moroccan heritage, and global art. For travelers, it’s a chance to step into the crossroads of European haute couture and Moroccan tradition.
As Pierre Bergé once said:
“Without Marrakech, Yves Saint Laurent wouldn’t have been Yves Saint Laurent.”
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech is more than checking off another tourist attraction. It’s an intimate journey into the mind of a designer who revolutionized fashion — and a reminder of how deeply Morocco influenced the world of art and style.
Whether you’re a fashion lover, an art enthusiast, or simply a traveler curious about Moroccan culture, this museum deserves a spot on your Marrakech itinerary.
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