Rabat Archaeological Museum
Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
The Museum of History and Civilizations, formerly known as the Rabat Archaeological Museum, is Morocco's premier national archaeological museum located in Rabat. Established in the 1920s during the French protectorate, it houses the most extensive collection of archaeological artefacts discovered in Morocco. The museum's exhibits span from the earliest human settlements in prehistory through the Phoenician, Mauretanian, Roman, and Islamic periods, highlighting Morocco's rich cultural heritage. Notable collections include marble and bronze sculptures from Roman sites such as Volubilis and Chellah, including busts of prominent figures like King Juba II and Cato the Younger. The museum also features a dedicated Islamic pavilion showcasing artefacts from the Almoravid to Alaouite dynasties, and a patio displaying ancient rock inscriptions in Libyco-Berber, Latin, and Islamic scripts. After extensive renovations, it reopened in 2017 under the National Foundation of Museums, inviting both locals and tourists to explore Morocco's diverse historical legacy.
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Tip: Visit the museum during weekdays to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the exhibits. It is advisable to check opening hours in advance and consider purchasing tickets ahead to skip lines. The museum offers insights into Morocco’s lesser-known ancient history, making it especially rewarding for history enthusiasts. Discounts may be available for students and groups. Guided tours can enhance understanding of the artefacts' cultural significance.
Interesting facts
- •The museum holds the most extensive collection of archaeological artefacts found in Morocco.
- •It features a rare bust of the Amazigh king Juba II, a significant historical figure.
- •The Hall of Bronzes contains Greco-Roman religious figurines and busts of historical figures excavated from Volubilis.
- •The museum displays some of the earliest known Libyco-Berber inscriptions, indigenous North African written forms.
- •Its collections uniquely trace Morocco’s history from prehistory through the Islamic period in a single venue.
History
The museum's core structure was built in the 1920s under the French protectorate to house the colonial Service des Antiquités du Protectorat.
In 1930, it was transformed into a national archaeological museum, consolidating artefacts from major excavation sites like Volubilis and Chellah initiated since 1915 by Marshal Lyautey.
Additional showrooms were added around the original building, reaching its current architectural form by 1957.
After decades of operation, the museum underwent significant renovations and reopened in 2017 under the care of the National Foundation of Museums, reflecting Morocco's dedication to preserving its archaeological heritage.
Place Guide
Hall of MarblesRoman period
This gallery showcases white marble sculptures discovered at Roman-era sites such as Iulia Valentia Banasa, Tamoussida, and Chellah, illustrating the artistry and cultural influences during the Roman period in Morocco.
Hall of BronzesRoman period
An oval-shaped showroom dedicated to bronze artefacts excavated from Volubilis, including figurines of Greco-Roman deities like Venus and Eros, busts of historical figures such as Juba II and Cato, and statues depicting public life and mythology.
Islamic PavilionAlmoravid to Alaouite dynasties
This section focuses on Islamic civilization in Morocco from the Almoravid dynasty to the Alaouite period, displaying Islamic coinage, architectural elements, and distinctive Cuerda seca pottery techniques.
Rock Inscriptions PatioVarious periods
An open-air patio featuring ancient rock inscriptions including Libyco-Berber, Latin, and Islamic scripts, representing some of the earliest written forms used by indigenous North Africans and later civilizations.
Contact
Phone: 05 37 70 19 19
