Visiting Jardin Majorelle: an independent guide

A short history of the garden

Jardin Majorelle grew from a plot of palm grove that the French painter Jacques Majorelle acquired in 1923, outside the Medina walls in what was then a young European quarter. Over several decades he planted it with species gathered from many continents and, in the early 1930s, commissioned the Art Deco studio that is now painted in the intense cobalt shade associated with his name. The garden was first opened to the public in 1947.

After the painter's death the property fell into neglect. In 1980 the designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé bought and restored it, saving it from redevelopment. Today the garden is run by a foundation, the former studio houses a museum dedicated to Amazigh (Berber) arts and culture, and a separate museum devoted to Yves Saint Laurent opened on the same street in 2017.

How admission works in general terms

Ticket information for Jardin Majorelle is the topic visitors ask us about most. In recent years the garden has used a system of timed entry slots, and visitors are generally encouraged to reserve a slot in advance on the official website rather than queue at the gate. In busy seasons, popular morning and late-afternoon slots can fill up days ahead. Separate admission has typically applied to the garden, the Berber museum and the Yves Saint Laurent museum, sometimes with combined options.

We deliberately do not publish prices, because they change and because we want you to read them from the source. The official website of the garden is jardinmajorelle.com — please type that address yourself and check the spelling. Be cautious of look-alike pages, resale offers and people near the entrance who propose to “skip the line” for a fee. A genuine admission confirmation comes only from the garden.

Opening pattern and best times

The garden opens every day in normal circumstances, from morning until early evening, with hours that shift slightly between seasons and during Ramadan. Public holidays and special events can alter the timetable. Because exact times change, confirm them on the official website on the day before your visit.

• The first slot of the morning is the quietest and the light on the blue walls is soft.
• Late morning and early afternoon are the busiest periods, especially at weekends.
• The last slots of the day can be pleasant in summer when the heat eases.

What you will see

Paths wind through bamboo thickets, a cactus garden with giant agaves and barrel cacti, ponds with water lilies and a collection of bougainvillea, palms and climbing plants. Pots painted lemon yellow and cobalt blue punctuate the walkways. The villa itself is viewed from outside; the interior hosts the Berber museum, which displays jewellery, textiles, carpets and objects from communities across Morocco. A small memorial to Yves Saint Laurent stands in the garden.

Getting there

The garden sits on Rue Yves Saint Laurent in Gueliz, roughly a thirty-minute walk or a short taxi ride from Jemaa el-Fnaa. Agree on a taxi fare or ask for the meter before setting off. City buses also pass nearby. There is limited space at the entrance, so allow a few extra minutes and arrive slightly before your slot.

Etiquette and practical notes

Stay on the paths, do not touch the cacti and avoid climbing on walls for photographs. Large bags may be restricted, and drones are not appropriate. The garden is mostly flat, but some paths are narrow and can be busy. If you have reduced mobility, contact the garden directly through its official channels before you travel to ask about access.

Nearby ideas

After your visit you can explore the cafes and galleries of Gueliz, walk to the Yves Saint Laurent museum, or continue to the quieter gardens described on our other page. For heat, timing and safety advice, read our visitor tips.