Oudayas, National Museum of Adornement

Located inside the majestic Kasbah of the Udayas, the National Jewelry Museum is a true treasure trove of culture and style. It is the leading museum in the city of Rabat, dedicated to the centuries-old history and traditions of Morocco through the lens of jewelry craftsmanship, national costumes, and decorative arts.

Oudayas National Museum of Adornment. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The museum occupies a luxurious 17th-century palace built by Sultan Moulay Ismail. Visitors enter the atmosphere of a royal residence, surrounded by a fragrant garden with elegant fountains. The collection includes about 8,000 items, spanning a vast period of time: from prehistoric finds to exquisite Islamic pieces made of gold, silver, and precious stones.

Of particular value is a unique shell necklace found in the Bizmoune Cave, which is approximately 150,000 years old — it is considered one of the oldest pieces of jewelry in the world. The exhibition is organized by region, presenting the jewelry traditions of eight areas, including Fez, Marrakech, and the Sahara, allowing visitors to see the full ethnic diversity of Moroccan lands.

To clarify details before your visit, you can refer to the official address of the institution. The museum is located in one of the city's most recognizable areas, making it easy to find.

Within the museum walls, a fascinating journey through five exhibition halls awaits you. You can study in detail the evolution of jewelry style: from primitive techniques to the most complex filigree. The first hall is dedicated to tools and production secrets, while in the second, you can admire luxurious Moroccan kaftans and national outfits from different eras.

Special attention should be paid to the collection of men's ceremonial accessories — richly decorated daggers, Quran cases, and powder flasks. The ladies' section of the exhibition is impressive with massive bracelets, tiaras, and unique bridal jewelry. You will see how the influence of Berber and Andalusian cultures is reflected in silver and copper pieces, creating a unique Moroccan signature.

In addition to jewelry, the halls recreate the interiors of traditional homes of noble families, featuring antique astrolabes, 18th–19th-century carpets, and exquisite ceramics. To conclude your visit, take a leisurely stroll through the grounds of the Kasbah of the Udayas, where observation decks offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the mouth of the Bou Regreg River.

Reaching this cultural center is easy, as it is located in the heart of the historic district. The museum is situated within the famous Kasbah of the Udayas in Rabat. If you are near the Hassan Tower or the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the walk to the museum will take only 10–15 minutes. The route passes through picturesque streets with traditional blue-and-white architecture.

For those who prefer comfort, petit taxis are always available to quickly take you to the main gates of the fortress from any point in the center. You can also use public transport: the nearest bus stops are within walking distance of the entrance to the Kasbah.

Keep in mind that parking directly by the fortress is very limited, so a walk from nearby attractions or the waterfront is the most convenient and pleasant option. A stroll along the ocean toward the fortress will offer magnificent views before you dive into the world of art.

The building that houses the exhibition today is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. It is a former 17th-century princely residence, built in 1672 by order of the legendary Sultan Moulay Ismail. Initially, the palace served as a royal home surrounded by a magnificent garden, which still delights the eye with its fountains and exotic plants.

Interestingly, the museum history of this site began as early as 1915. Back then, the ethnographic Udaya Museum opened here, showcasing collections of carpets, ceramics, and musical instruments. However, in 2002, the concept changed, and under the management of the National Foundation of Museums of Morocco, the space was transformed into the National Jewelry Museum.

In early 2023, the museum reopened after a large-scale two-year restoration. A significant event was the expansion of the collection: King Mohammed VI donated 350 items from his personal collection to the museum. Today, you can see unique artifacts here, including a necklace from the Bizmoune Cave, estimated to be an incredible 150,000 years old.

To carefully examine all the treasures in the five halls and read the descriptions of the most important exhibits, it usually takes from 45 to 60 minutes. This is quite enough time to immerse yourself in the history of Moroccan jewelry making without feeling rushed.

If you also plan to stroll through the adjacent Andalusian garden and take some photos within the fortress grounds, we recommend setting aside about an hour and a half for the visit. The museum is compact, but its exhibits are so detailed that ethnography enthusiasts may want to stay longer.

The museum is open to visitors most of the week. Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.

Please note that Tuesday is a closing day. We recommend checking for up-to-date information on the official website of the National Foundation of Museums of Morocco before your visit, as opening hours may change during holidays or the month of Ramadan.

The location in the historic core of the city makes it easy to combine a cultural visit with a tour of other iconic sites. The area around the museum is literally steeped in history, and every turn of the narrow streets reveals new interesting views of the ocean and ancient architecture.

Exploring the surroundings will enrich your journey, allowing you to see the contrast between ancient fortress walls and modern park recreation areas.