Mohammed V

It was built under the French protectorate by architect Joseph Marrast, and it represents an example of the architecture of the 1920s, mingling tradition and modernity.

The square is considered the administrative center of the city, as it brings together plenty of buildings erected after the First World War including the Consulate of France, the courthouse, the prefecture, the central post office, and the bank of Morocco. Casablanca’s main square, Place Mohammed V is surrounded by attractive buildings and palm trees. The paved square is the administrative heart of the city.

The Museum of Moroccan Judaism tells the story of Morocco’s previously large Jewish population. It’s an interesting place to learn more about the nation’s Jewish heritage and history, as well as about Jewish culture in general. What makes the museum exceptional, however, is the fact that it is the only museum dedicated to Judaism in the entire Arab world.

The History

Built in 1948, the elegant villa that now houses the museum was once a Jewish orphanage, built by Mrs. Celia Bengio in memory of her late husband Murdock Bengio.

Its function as an orphanage for the protection of Jewish children continued until the late 1970s, when vast amounts of the Moroccan Jewish community migrated to Israel, France, Canada, and the United States.

Amongst Arabic-speaking countries, it was Morocco that hosted the largest Jewish community. In the 1960s, Casablanca had more than 70,000 inhabitants of the Jewish faith.

In 1997, the same year the Museum of Jewish Art and History opened in Paris, a cultural space was created where Jews and Muslims could meet, along with this ethnographic museum which highlights the Moroccan Jewish tradition in Fez, Essaouira, and Marrakech, cities which Moroccans had come from to work in Casablanca.

The Museum Today

This museum dedicated to the Jewish culture is unique in the Islamic World. It is a private ethnographic museum, consisting of two distinct spaces:

A space reserved for temporary exhibitions

A second space, with 3 rooms, for permanent exhibitions.

The pathway through the permanent exhibitions gives visitors a front-row seat to the enhancement of the authenticity of Moroccan Judaica, as well as to the diversity of Moroccan synagogues and their interiors.

Inside the Museum

One very pleasant feature of the visit: the sweet singing birds of the adjoining gardens accompanies visitors’ discovery of beautiful pieces of Moroccan Jewish craftsmanship! Bracelets and fibulas in 19th-century silver, pendants, amulets, and ankle bracelets. One window also displays dolls dressed in Judeo-Moroccan costumes. 

A larger section is dedicated to sacred art:   megillah cases, Thoras covered with their gold thread embroidered coat, and synagogue furniture. There is also beautiful 18th-century Azemmour embroidery.

A section also exhibits tebahs from ancient synagogues or reading platforms made of carved wood where a rabbi would officiate. A beautiful set of rooms to discover in an extremely pleasant and relaxing setting.

Central Market

Sindibad Park Arab League Gardens

Sindibad Park is the only amusement park in Morocco. After being closed for many years, it has now reopened, offering a great place to take kids for a few hours. There are rides for smaller children and a small zoo. 

Arab League Gardens

A pretty park, the Arab League Garden is a pleasant place for a stroll. Palm trees overhang the main pathway, offering plenty of welcoming shade and there are several terrace cafes where you can stop for a spot of people watching

Plage de Ain Sebaa

Plage de Ain Sebaa is another of Casablanca’s beaches. The strong waves and winds make it a popular place for surf enthusiasts. Alternatively, sit on the rocky shore and watch surfers trying to conquer the waves.