Things to do in Fes Morocco: Museums

For a long time, Fes was a true cultural epicenter for the entire Islamic world, comparable to other important cities of this civilization, such as Baghdad or Cordoba. And although that splendor does not shine as much as in past times, there are still interesting museums in it.

So, if you are a traveler interested in culture, these are some places you should not miss during your stay in this city.

Nejjarine Museum

Also known as the Museum of Arts and Crafts of Wood, this summarizes its main interest. It is worth remembering that the prestige of the city’s craftsmanship is enormous, both inside and outside Morocco. And in particular, woodwork, being the local carpenter’s most admired. This can be understood in the museum’s permanent exhibition, which reviews the private, architectural and liturgical uses of wood.

Nejjarine Museum of arts and crafts of wood

But this museum in the city is one of those examples where the ‘container’ is as important or more important than the ‘content’: the building is breathtakingly beautiful, around a beautiful courtyard where stucco, wood and ceramics are combined. It was, in fact, a Fondouk, i.e. an establishment for carpenters, who also used the Nejjarine fountain in the square overlooking this building. It also has an upper terrace to enjoy the medina from above.

Batha Museum

The museums demonstrate the citizen’s and local authority’s pride in their traditions and crafts. Therefore, besides the Nejjarine Museum, the city also has the Batha Museum, which displays other craft disciplines for which it is famous. Special mention should be made of ceramics, with its characteristic blue color from cobalt. As for the building, we are facing a palace built in the late nineteenth century in Moorish style.

Borj Nord Museum

This is the largest museum in Fez regarding dimensions since it is installed in a military fort located on the outskirts and in the elevated part of the city. It is a Museum of Weapons and these are exhibited chronologically. Therefore, it is an interesting way to learn about the evolution of local weaponry: halberds, spears, sabers, armor, saddles and a long etcetera, both battle and gala.

As in the case of the Nejjarine Museum and the Batha, the building also deserves to be admired: it was built in 1582 under the rule of Sultan Ahmed El Mansour. And another common element is its spectacular views from the top, from where the view encompasses the entire city, both the historical medina and the new neighborhoods.

Other small museums

The three above are perhaps the main museum of it. But other small spaces also hide surprises for all those who visit them. They are:

• Riad Belghazi Museum: small museum shows the works collected by this family with a collecting tradition.
• Tazi Gallery: small art gallery is run by the artist Hicham Tazi.

In conclusion, Fes is a city that showcases its rich cultural heritage through its various museums and is a must-visit destination for travelers interested in Islamic civilization and history. The Nejjarine Museum, Batha Museum, and Borj Nord Museum are the main museums, each showcasing different aspects of the city’s crafts and traditions. In addition, smaller cultural centers, such as the Riad Belghazi Museum and Tazi Gallery, offer unique collections and exhibitions. Don’t miss out on exploring these fascinating exhibition spaces during your stay in it.

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