Hello to all my friends in the Hive community,
I recently visited a place that's as astonishing as it is inspiring: the Mohammed 6 Museum for the Civilisation of Water in Morocco, located at the entrance to the Palmeraie circuit in Marrakech. This museum was recommended to me by my older sister, who visited it last month with one of her friends. The museum traces the history of water in Morocco, from Antiquity to the present day, through an immersive scenography and rare objects.
My visit begins on the first floor with an overview of the major issues surrounding water, in Morocco and around the world. We learn about the physical and chemical characteristics of water, the Kingdom's major drainage basins, and the influence of climate on this precious resource. A particularly striking moment for me was the section on the spiritual dimension of water: it is perceived not only as a vital resource, but also as a sacred element. The museum also pays tribute to the Habous, which played an essential role in the community management of water in Morocco.
Moving down a floor and into the ground floor, we are taken back into the daily lives of Moroccans over the centuries: how they used water in the oases, in the mountains and in ancient towns. Numerous objects and manuscripts bear witness to the traditional techniques used to collect, store and distribute water. I was fascinated by the sections on the rituals, festivals and spirituality surrounding water. It's easy to see how water is not only a necessity, but also a source of inspiration, culture and social cohesion. The museum also presents the urban hydraulic heritage of major cities such as Marrakech, Fez and Tetouan: ingenious systems built centuries ago that continue to impress.
The tour ends in the basement, with a more contemporary approach. Here we discover the dam policy launched by His Late Majesty Hassan 2 (the father of Morocco's current king), followed by the National Water Strategy led by His Majesty King Mohammed 6. One section also features a model of the Haouz region of Marrakech, comparing the region's ancient and modern hydraulic systems. This last part clearly shows the extent to which water management has become a strategic issue for the country. You can also sense Morocco's commitment to preserving this resource in the face of climate change.
Before leaving the museum, I stopped to watch the immersive 360° show. This is one of the highlights of the visit, where you discover the history of the Marrakech palm grove and its vital link with water through sound and images. You'll come away touched, and above all more aware of the richness that surrounds us.
And since the museum is located right next to the wild gardens of the Palmeraie, I took the opportunity to take a little stroll there before heading home. The peace and quiet, the palm trees, the afternoon sunshine... it was the perfect finishing touch to a day full of discoveries and emotions.
Thank you for taking the time to read this! I hope you enjoyed the photos and that your visit to the water museum inspired you to take a look around. See you soon for another post, inchallah!
I'm Redwan from Morocco ! I've always had a passion for travelling and discovery. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than exploring new places, whether historical, archaeological or in the heart of nature. Through my blogs, you can discover the hidden gems of Morocco, whether you want to admire the fascinating architecture of a historic site, delve into the legends surrounding an archaeological site, or simply marvel at the beauty of Moroccan nature!
I took all the photos with my own Redmi Note 11 smartphone, and edited them on canva !
