Bayt Al-Maghrib (the House of Morocco) is the first Moroccan cultural center in Al-Quds and one of the largest Arab cultural centers in Palestine. It embodies the depth of Moroccan–Jerusalemite ties and introduces visitors of the Holy City to Moroccan civilization and its contribution to preserving the identity of Al-Quds.
From an idea to a landmark
The idea of acquiring the building dates back to 1998, when a Palestinian proposal was put to the late King Hassan II to purchase an old property in the heart of the Old City and turn it into a home for Moroccan culture in Al-Quds.
After the building was acquired for close to five million dollars, a meticulous restoration was launched under the guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, completed in 2016 with a budget of around three million dollars, bringing the building back to life as a living cultural center.
A building carrying the city's memory
Bayt Al-Maghrib stands on ancient stones predating the Byzantine and Roman periods, and was part of the Naqshbandi Bukhari Sufi lodge complex, one of the Old City's Sufi landmarks.
The building spans three thousand square meters over three floors, threaded with historic caves and tunnels overlooked by a glass bridge, in a marriage of authentic Jerusalemite stone and the spirit of Moroccan ornamentation.
Spaces for art, memory and knowledge
Saqia Al-Hamra Gallery
A permanent art gallery showing works celebrating Moroccan heritage.
Bayt Al-Maghrib Museum
A museum of historic caves and tunnels overlooked by a glass bridge above a stone cavern.
The library
Around 5,000 titles in philosophy, history, literature and religious sciences.
Dar Es-Salam hall
A lecture and gathering space adorned with authentic Moroccan zellige tilework.
The Moroccan salon
A traditional salon with woven carpets reflecting Moroccan hospitality.
The cultural café
A courtyard café centered on a Moroccan fountain, for meeting and rest.
Halls bearing Moroccan names
The center holds activity and event halls named after Moroccan geography and history.
A bridge between two civilizations
Bayt Al-Maghrib works to highlight the historic Moroccan presence in Al-Quds and to strengthen Moroccan–Palestinian cultural ties through exhibitions, symposia and artistic events.
The center is part of the efforts of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency in service of the Holy City and the preservation of its civilizational and religious heritage.
Inside Bayt Al-Maghrib
