Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech: Tickets, History & Tips
The Jardin Majorelle is an artist's garden and one of the most popular attractions in Marrakech. Its cobalt-blue villa, yellow pots, cacti and bamboo create a vivid contrast. Later owned by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge, it has become a symbol of the city's creative spirit.
At a glance
- Created
- From 1923 by Jacques Majorelle
- Owners since 1980
- Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge
- Highlights
- Blue villa, cactus garden, Berber Museum
- Allow
- 1 to 2 hours
- Location
- Gueliz, Marrakech
In this guide
History
The French painter Jacques Majorelle settled in Marrakech in 1917 and began creating the garden in the 1920s, painting his studio in the intense blue now known as Majorelle blue. After his death in 1962 the garden fell into disrepair until Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge bought and restored it in 1980. Saint Laurent's ashes were scattered in the garden after his death in 2008.
What to see
- The Majorelle villa: the blue studio and surrounding pathways, with pots, pools and fountains.
- The plant collection: cacti, palms, bamboo and water lilies from around the world.
- The Berber Museum: a collection of Amazigh jewellery, textiles and artefacts inside the garden.
- The Yves Saint Laurent Museum: a separate museum next door, opened in 2017, which shows the designer's work and his inspiration from Morocco.
Visiting tips
- The garden is very popular, so arrive when it opens or book timed tickets online if available.
- Allow extra time for the museums, which usually have separate tickets.
- Check current prices and opening hours before you go.
- Visit the garden after the medina for a calm break.
Getting there
The garden is in the Gueliz district, about 15 minutes by taxi from Jemaa el-Fna. Combine it with a stroll through the new town and the nearby shops. See our Marrakech guide for more ideas, and compare it with the quieter Menara Gardens.
Planning your visit
Most visitors spend about an hour in the garden, another hour in the Berber Museum and one to two hours in the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Tickets are often sold separately, and queues form quickly in high season, so arrive early or reserve online if available. Avoid midday, when the garden is busiest.
The garden's plants
Majorelle collected plants from five continents. Look for giant cacti, yucca, agave, bamboo, bougainvillea, palms and water lilies. Many are labelled with their botanical names, and the birds in the garden add to the atmosphere.
Why Majorelle blue?
Jacques Majorelle used a strong cobalt blue inspired by the colours he saw in Amazigh villages and Marrakech tilework. He later patented the shade, which is still associated with the garden. The blue contrasts with yellow, green and terracotta accents throughout.
After the garden
The Gueliz district has cafes, shops and restaurants. For a contrast with the busy medina, stroll through the new town or visit the nearby Cyber Park. Return to the old city for sunset at Jemaa el-Fna. See our Marrakech guide for more plans.
Frequently asked questions
Who created the Jardin Majorelle?
The French painter Jacques Majorelle began the garden in the 1920s, and Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge restored it from 1980.
How long do you need at the Jardin Majorelle?
About one to two hours for the garden, longer if you visit the museums.
What is the best time to visit?
Early morning, when it is cooler and less crowded.