As a visitor to Hivernage /Marrakesh it is a MUST SEE to go see the restored Jardin Majorelle. Some people think it is an over hyped over run attraction. Yet, the charms of the lush tropical garden combined with its story make this garden a Must-See on your trip to Marrakesh. The garden with the villa in Majorelle Blue are as iconic as some other buildings in Hivernage and Marrakesh.
The story of how Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé fell in love with the neglected garden after they visited the area, how they saved it from being sold to build a hotel. Originally the garden was created as a reflection of the gardens of Giverny by the painter Jacques Majorelle long ago.
Now, the blue villa hosts the Berber museum, and the ajecent YSL museum add to the story and highlight the work of YSL. The awakening of YSL’s design language after his visits to Marrakesh is shown at the museum. I was so touched. I think this is one of the finest museums I have visited. The story of YSL moves along as visitors spend time reviewing the collections. His voice and image appear and fade on the screen. The colors are stunning.
More on the museum later.
Definitely visit the Jardin Majorelle and the YSL if you are in Marrakesh.
Today not only is the garden an attraction, the history is far more touching. YSL and Pierre Bergé lived in the garden Pavillion and the blue house after they had the restoration work done.
Now, the garden is the final resting place of the couple. The high column commemorates their lives.
After the death of YSL the plans for the YSL museum in combination with the garden were set in motion by Pierre Bergé to bring the work of YSL and the inspiration he found in the garden to a broader audience.
The adjacent YSL museum was one of the most touching museums I have visited. I was impressed by the sketches displayed. The collection room had a dreamy quality. One of the quotes by YSL was that he saw fashion as a dream. This is how the visitor can experience the pieces featured in the exhibit. On one wall we see and hear his voice YSL, on the other, images of some of the most iconic pieces of his collections fade in and out of view.
I will talk more about the YSL museum in my next post. For now enjoy the photos of the tropical paradise Jardin Majorelle.