Editorials
Yves Saint Laurent Museum: An LGBTQ+ landmark in Marrakesh
Explore the stunning home Yves Saint Laurent created with his boyfriend in Marrakesh
If you love travel, luxury and fashion as much as we do, a trip to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakesh is a must. For LGBTQ+ travellers, this museum is a unique cultural landmark in North Africa, reflecting Yves Saint Laurent’s trailblazing career, romantic life and his deep connection to Marrakesh.
Marrakesh has long been a source of inspiration for artists. The city’s medina, with its mosaics, souks, and ancient architecture, provides endless creative fuel. Yves Saint Laurent famously credited Marrakesh with teaching him the bold use of colour. Similarly, artists like Henri Matisse and Jacques Majorelle were captivated by the city’s light and patterns, influencing their work in profound ways. You may well be struck by artistic inspiration in Marrakesh, especially at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
History of Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakesh
Yves Saint Laurent first visited Marrakesh in 1966 and immediately fell in love with the city’s vibrant colours, traditions, and energy. Alongside his partner, Pierre Bergé, he purchased a house in Marrakesh’s medina, which became a source of inspiration for his groundbreaking designs. The city’s colours and intricate patterns influenced many of Saint Laurent’s collections, including his use of jewel tones and North African-inspired silhouettes. Following Saint Laurent’s passing in 2008, Bergé spearheaded the creation of the museum to honour the designer’s legacy. Opened in 2017, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum showcases not only his work but also his connection to Marrakesh, a city that embraced his artistry.
An LGBTQ+ Connection in North Africa
As an openly gay couple, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé found a sense of freedom in Marrakesh that was rare for their time. While homosexuality remains a complex and often taboo topic in many parts of North Africa, Marrakesh offered Saint Laurent and Bergé a space where they could express themselves freely. When they arrived in the city, Morocco was considered to be more tolerant of LGBTQ+ people than America or Europe.
Gay artists like William Burroughs and Joe Orton had found a more open and tolerant culture in Morocco than in their home countries. Burroughs and Orton came and went, as it were, but Yves Saint Laurent was unique in leaving behind a museum.
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Request a quote →What It’s Like to Visit
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum is located near the stunning Majorelle Garden, another Marrakesh landmark that Saint Laurent and Bergé helped preserve. The museum’s modernist design, created by architects Karl Fournier and Olivier Marty, is inspired by Saint Laurent’s fashion ethos: bold, timeless, and innovative. Inside, you can explore an incredible collection of Yves Saint Laurent’s most famous designs, from the Mondrian dress to the Le Smoking jacket, as well as sketches, accessories, and photos. The museum also houses a temporary exhibition space, an auditorium, and a boutique stocked with souvenirs. The adjoining café is the perfect spot to relax.
How to Get There
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum is located in Marrakesh’s Gueliz district, a short distance from the medina. From the heart of Marrakesh, you can take a taxi, which is the easiest and most direct option. The ride takes around 10 minutes, and the museum is well-signposted. If you’re exploring on foot, the museum is a pleasant 30-minute stroll from Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
A Unique LGBTQ+ Landmark in North Africa
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum is one of the few cultural landmarks in North Africa with a strong LGBTQ+ connection. While the region has complex social attitudes toward LGBTQ+ issues, the museum serves as a symbol of gay relationships thriving in unlikely places.
Plan Your Visit to Marrakesh
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum is a must-see for travellers seeking culture, beauty, and inspiration. Let us help you create a bespoke Marrakesh itinerary that includes this iconic landmark and other unforgettable experiences. Contact us today to start planning your journey to Marrakesh and beyond.
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