A newly opened museum in Casablanca is drawing visitors eager to explore the city’s transformation over the past century. The Casablanca Memory Museum, which opened its doors last month, offers a glimpse into the urban and social changes that have shaped Morocco’s largest city.
Housed in the historic Villa Carl Ficke, a neoclassical landmark built in 1913, the museum presents a collection of archival documents, old photographs, maps, and artwork that trace Casablanca’s evolution. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by large stone and marble sculptures displayed in the museum’s garden.
Museum assistant curator Hajar el-Bakkari highlighted the significance of the current exhibition, which focuses on Casablanca’s architectural and urban development. The museum’s location itself holds historical value, as Villa Carl Ficke was originally built for a German merchant by Italian architect Ulysse Tonci, one of the pioneers of European-style architecture in Morocco.
Over the decades, the villa has served various purposes, including as a detention center, before falling into neglect. A six-year restoration project, completed in 2022, aimed to preserve its original architectural details while strengthening its structure.
Visitors have praised the museum’s efforts in preserving Casablanca’s heritage. Fadila Tazi, a local resident, expressed her excitement after touring the museum: “It’s simply magnificent. We’ve been hearing about this beautiful residence with its extraordinary history for a while now. It brings back so many memories.”
The museum’s founders hope it will become a hub for research and cultural exchange, attracting students, researchers, and tourists interested in Casablanca’s rich history.
