The Majorelle Garden in Marrakech is a two and a half acre botanical garden and artist’s landscape garden in Marrakech, Morocco. It was designed by the French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and 1930s, during the colonial period when Morocco was a protectorate of France.
The garden has been open to the public since 1947 and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Marrakech. It features a Cubist villa designed by the French architect Paul Sinoir in the 1930s, which houses the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech.
n 1980, the garden was purchased by the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé, who restored it and added new plants and features. After Yves Saint Laurent’s death in 2008, his ashes were scattered in the garden.
Jacques Majorelle, a French painter, was born in 1886. He settled in Marrakech in the early 20th century, captivated by the vibrant colors and exotic landscapes of Morocco. In the 1920s and 1930s, Majorelle began designing and cultivating what would become his masterpiece—the Majorelle Garden.
The garden was a labor of love for Majorelle, who carefully curated a botanical oasis filled with exotic plants, cacti, palms, and vibrant flowers. The garden’s design was influenced by his travels and his love for bold, intense colors, which are reflected in the striking blue hue known today as « Majorelle Blue. »
Over the years, Majorelle’s garden became a haven for inspiration and creativity, attracting artists, writers, and travelers from around the world. The garden’s unique blend of art and nature made it a beloved retreat in Marrakech.
After Majorelle’s passing, the garden fell into disrepair until it was purchased and restored by the renowned fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé in 1980. Saint Laurent and Bergé lovingly restored the garden to its former glory, adding new plants and features while preserving Majorelle’s original vision.
Yves Saint Laurent’s connection to Morocco
Yves Saint Laurent, the legendary fashion designer, was deeply connected to Morocco, a place that played a significant role in shaping his life and work. Saint Laurent’s exposure to North African culture and aesthetics began at an early age. However, it was his love affair with Morocco that truly left an indelible mark on his personal life and professional career.
Saint Laurent first visited Morocco in the 1960s and was immediately captivated by its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and rich history. He was drawn to the country’s exotic landscapes, bustling souks, and the warm hospitality of its people. The allure of Morocco’s mystical charm soon became a source of inspiration for Saint Laurent’s designs, influencing many of his iconic collections.
One of the most notable aspects of Saint Laurent’s relationship with Morocco was his longstanding residence in the country. In the 1980s, he purchased the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, a botanical garden filled with exotic plants and vibrant cobalt blue buildings. This tranquil oasis served as both his home and a creative sanctuary where he found solace and inspiration amidst the chaos of the fashion world.
One of the most iconic manifestations of Saint Laurent’s Moroccan connection was his renowned « Marrakech » collection, inspired by the city’s exotic allure and cultural richness. The collection featured flowing caftans, intricate embroideries, and bold colors that reflected the vibrancy and diversity of Moroccan design. Through his designs, Saint Laurent sought to pay homage to the country that had captured his heart and ignited his creativity.
Beyond the realm of fashion, Morocco held a special place in Saint Laurent’s heart as a refuge from the pressures of the fashion industry and a source of artistic inspiration. The Jardin Majorelle, with its lush botanical gardens and striking blue architecture, provided him with a tranquil retreat where he could find solace and reconnect with nature. The garden not only served as his residence but also as a muse for his creations, with its vibrant colors and exotic flora influencing many of his iconic designs
The Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, Saint Laurent’s beloved retreat in Morocco, provided him with a tranquil space to recharge creatively and connect with nature. The serene beauty of the garden and its vibrant botanicals served as a constant a source of inspiration for his work, influencing the organic shapes, floral motifs, and natural textures that appeared in his collections.
