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Finding Design Inspiration in Marrakech: The Majorelle Gardens

Parque Marjorelle

Marrakech is one of those cities that captivates and mystifies. It’s old and new; big and small; rich and poor; beautiful and dirty. Everyone seems to have a different perception of it.

This city of contrasts has a lot of history. And a lot of beauty.

The Majorelle Garden (Jardin Majorelle) is a small oasis of green & plenty. A little out-of-ways from the medina and romantically beautiful Djemma el Fna square, the gardens contrast significantly with the other colors of Marrakech. While the gardens are a lively & robust selection of bright and thriving plants, the rest of the city —if Marrakech can be described as a color—would be camel-colored.

But the Majorelle Gardens don’t fit into that color scheme. Full of life and beauty, the colors of Majorelle are beautiful but strangely unlike the rest of Marrakech. Not surprising, though. This city has everything.

Parque Marjorelle

Parque Marjorelle

Parque Marjorelle

The Majorelle Gardens were designed by a French artist (the painter Jacques Majorelle) in the early 1900s and have been an open public space since mid-century. In 1980, Yves Saint-Laurent bought them and now, a tourist attraction, the gardens remain a strangely out-of-place botanical garden. A Moroccan mystery, as always.

Parque Marjorelle

Parque Marjorelle

Parque Marjorelle

Parque Marjorelle

Parque Marjorelle

Parque Marjorelle

  1. Rachel says:

    Hi, Adam! I love the colorful pots. How's the couscous?

    Rachel

  2. annb04 says:

    Adam, I am really loving your photography from Morocco and Spain!!

  3. Adam says:

    Hi Rachel!!!

    The couscous in Morocco was absolutely amazing. The best meal I had was in this small family restaurant away from the main plaza in Chefchaouen. So delicious!

  4. Adam says:

    Thanks Annie! It's easy when you're in beautiful places, yeah?

  5. Shaun Church says:

    I took so many shots similar to these while wandering around in that oasis of colour. It's a beautiful place and so peaceful – unlike much of the rest of the city!

    Great photos!

  6. Adam says:

    Yep – an oasis in Marrakech!

  7. Adam says:

    ah! I don't know :/

  8. Candace says:

    I'm going to be visiting Morocco for three weeks in November – what was the name of the restaurant in Chefchaouen?

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