The Swiss in Marrakech: A dynamic community

Discovering the Museum of Adornment Arts…

In the heart of the Mellah, very close to the historic centre of Marrakech, the Museum of Adornment Arts (Musée des Arts de la Parure) will soon welcome visitors from all walks of life. Marlène and Paolo Gallone, a couple of Swiss adventurers with a passion for travel, are behind this project. From the Maghreb to China, by way of Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and the Himalayan countries, together this couple have assembled exceptional objects. A private collection that they are happy to share today, and for which they are providing a superb architectural showcase with an exceptional duo of architects, Joseph Achkar and Michel Charriere. This future museum, currently under construction, takes up the traditional fundamentals of 14^th-century Marrakech architecture. H.E. Guillaume Scheurer, Ambassador of Switzerland in Rabat, Sami Zerelli, President of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Morocco and Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Marrakech, and our Swiss friends were able to visit it during a private tour that was as captivating as it was convivial. Drawing on modern museographic concepts, this space aims to be a symbol of an authentic Morocco that is developing by responding to contemporary challenges.

“Seen from the public space, it will be easily identifiable; the modern elements will be in dialogue with the classical ones, and the contribution of technology will be bold but discreet”, explained its co-founder, Paolo Gallone. He added:“Following the traditional layout of riads, the architectural concept will be developed around an octagonal light well running through and connecting all the levels, from the basement to the roof terrace.”

… And Riad Clémentine

The day continued at Riad Clémentine. A haven of peace run by its owners, Angela and Antoine, a Swiss couple who have lived in Morocco since 2007. Visitors were able to discover the various rooms and facilities of this place with its singular style, where refinement meets simplicity and where personalised hospitality is a hallmark. They then enjoyed a meal with Moroccan flavours over a lunch in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

A fine finale

For his first meeting with the entire Swiss community of the Ochre City, H.E. Mr Scheurer had invited his compatriots to a cocktail dinner at the Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi hotel. A wonderful moment of sharing and discovery that proved very enriching for everyone; the atmosphere was so warm and the exchanges so lively that participants left the evening much later than planned.