Marrakech has some excellent museums and one of the best is Musée Tiskiwin which stands on Rue de la Bahia. There is only a small sign indicating the entrance, so keep an eye out for it, as it would be a shame to miss this fascinating collection.
The house is a very beautiful example of Spanish/Moroccan architecture, built in the late 19th century. Dutch anthropologist and art historian Bert-Flint began his superb collection in 1946 and the museum opened its doors in 1996.
You will find the finest examples of Moroccan arts, carpets, musical instruments, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, basketwork, textiles and furniture not only from the area but also from villages and settlements along the legendary “gold road”. There are rooms dedicated to art from Mali and Mauritania.
Mr. Flint wasn’t just happy spreading out his collection and sticking a name and date on it. Being an anthropologist and a historian, he has studied not only the details but the ethnology of each piece. When you arrive at the museum, you will be given a very good booklet that will clearly guide you through the origin and the history of every item, which makes the visit all the more interesting.
Eclectic and eccentric – it would never win any museum design award but very interesting content.
The setting is small and intimate and doesn't seem to attract large tour groups.
There is a lovely courtyard that you find as you finish viewing the collection.
Make sure you pick up one of the photo-copied guides at reception as these help explain what you are looking at.
Image by Vince Millett on Flickr under Creative Commons License.