The history of the Majorelle garden
When Jacques Majorelle created his garden for the first time, his approach to it was just as it was to his art. For forty years he worked in his garden, composing and building, thinking about the earth and the light, and how the architectural elements he introduced – such as raised pools and tiled paths – would intersect with and give meaning to the nature that flourished around them. Many of these elements were inspired by the traditional Islamic gardens that can be found all over Marrakech. Water is of paramount importance in these gardens, which are inspired by Koranic verses and the idea of heavenly gardens. A wonderful example of this type of garden can be found at the not-so-secret garden in the medina if you visit the old city of Marrakech.
As a backdrop to the garden, the majorelle blue (a trademarked colour similar to cobalt, but richer and deeper) provides a contrast. This masterpiece is set against shades of green, terracotta, deep red and chrome yellow. In fact, it is now believed that the greatest work of art that Majorelle ever created was his garden. A popular sentiment, recalling fellow Frenchman Claude Monet and his beautiful gardens at Giverny outside Paris.
He opened his gardens to the public for the first time in 1947. Whatever money he made from admission, he ploughed back into his garden. It was his obsession. Sadly, by the time he died in 1962, the gardens and the house had fallen into disrepair.
After Majorelle died, the gardens lay dormant and then became completely forgotten.
Fashion icon Yves St Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé discovered the gardens in 1980 and saved them from being turned into yet another apartment complex in the growing “New City” of Marrakech. A major restoration of the site was spearheaded by Saint-Laurent and Bergé. They tamed the wild garden, restored its architecture and developed it into their private retreat, working with renowned garden designer Madison Cox.
Today’s Jardin Majorelle
In order to ensure the protection and maintenance of the garden for future generations, Saint-Laurent and Bergé created a foundation in 2001. His ashes were scattered in the garden when Yves Saint-Laurent died in 2008. Since 2011, the Fondation Jardin Majorelle, a registered NGO, has managed the gardens. Death of Pierre Bergé in 2017. A memorial to Bergé and Saint-Laurent has been erected. It can be found on the walk through the public gardens.
The gardens are now in a state of superb repair. The tranquillity of the gardens has been enhanced by new walkways, fountains and shady pavilions. The Majorelle Gardens offer a welcome respite from the bustling souks and general hustle and bustle of Marrakech, with hundreds of exotic plants and peacefully shaded grounds.
A collection of exotic Bamboos, cacti, and palms from all over the world are displayed in the impressive gardens. Birdwatchers and nature lovers will be pleased to know that the gardens provide a much-needed refuge for local birds including storks, kestrels and flycatchers.
The Pierre Berge Museum of Berber Art in the Jardin de la Majorelle
The Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Art (Musée Pierre Bergé des Arts Berbères) has been added to the majestic gardens. This museum celebrates the Amazigh (commonly known as Berbers) of Morocco, as its name suggests. The Amazigh are the indigenous people of Morocco. Bergé not only had great respect for them. He was also inspired by them in his own life. He had been fascinated by their art and culture ever since he first arrived in Morocco in 1966. From almost every corner of the country, he collected a wealth of Amazigh art.
Bergé created the museum dedicated to Amazigh art and culture in 2011. You’ll find it in the gardens, in a cubist building originally designed by the architect Paul Sinoir in the 1930s. Since then, the museum has flourished. Its collection includes more than 600 unique objects from all over Morocco. North African textiles, jewellery, carpets and other treasures from Morocco’s indigenous peoples.
How to get to the Majorelle Gardens
The gardens are open every day of the year, although they may be closed on public holidays or for private events. It is best to reserve tickets at least 24 hours in advance. If you’re staying in Marrakech for a few days, you’ll need about half a day to visit the gardens and the museum, although an hour or two will do for some.
On a tour with Sahara Morocco Travel, we can make your reservations and ensure that you find your way to and from the gardens.
If you are travelling on your own, taxis know exactly where to go. Finding a taxi once you have left the Gardens is rarely a problem. Tickets can be found on the Majorelle Gardens website: https://www.jardinmajorelle.com/en/
In general, you will want to make sure that you visit the Gardens as early in the day as possible.
Finally, while you are in the area, make time to visit the Yves Saint-Laurent Museum, which is right next door to the gardens. If you want to visit both the Jardin Majorelle and the Berber Museum, you can get discounted tickets.
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