Museums of the World ⑬ Morocco’s Red Brick: Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech(mYSLm)’

Marrakech, Morocco, bathed in the scorching North African sun. True to its nickname, ‘the Red City’, this city is steeped in red hues, and at its very heart lies a special sanctuary honouring the spirit of Yves Saint Laurent, a master of modern fashion history.

Opened in 2017, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum (mYSLm) is more than just a gallery showcasing the brand’s garments; it is a place where colour and form—the subjects to which this genius designer devoted his entire life—and the spirit of Marrakech, which he regarded as his sanctuary, are expressed through architecture.

Yves Saint Laurent’s ‘True Home’

For Yves Saint Laurent, a native of France, Marrakech was more than just a holiday destination. From the moment he first visited the city in 1966 with his partner, Pierre Bergé, he was captivated by its intense light and the beauty of its primary colours.

“Until I discovered Marrakech, my world was in black and white,” he recalled; indeed, the riot of pinks, yellows and blues pouring from the city’s streets and gardens completely redefined his design inspiration. His signature colour palette and exotic silhouettes were largely born out of his reflections here.

Saint Laurent would return here whenever he wished to escape the intense pressure hidden behind the glamour of Paris. For him, Marrakech was both a sanctuary that soothed the pains of creation and a source of inspiration that stimulated his imagination.

Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé

It was only thanks to Pierre Bergé, his lifelong companion and business partner, that Yves Saint Laurent’s genius was able to shine.

In 1958, 21-year-old Yves Saint Laurent—then head designer at Christian Dior—and Pierre Bergé, an ambitious art curator, met as if by fate. Berjet recognised Saint Laurent’s genius instantly, and the two went on to become both lovers and the strongest of business allies.

Berzé was not merely a manager. He took it upon himself to act as a ‘bulletproof shield’, removing all practical obstacles so that Saint Laurent could devote himself entirely to his creative work. He founded the ‘YSL’ brand in 1961, spearheading the popularisation of haute couture, and was the strategist who supported Saint Laurent’s fragile psyche, enabling him to reign as the emperor of the fashion world.

This museum was the final major project spearheaded by Berger following Saint Laurent’s passing in 2008. By preserving Saint Laurent’s vast archive and erecting a monument to him in Marrakech—the city he loved so dearly—Berger brought their love and artistic legacy to a fitting conclusion.

Sadly, however, Berger passed away just one month before the museum’s opening, and the two now rest together beneath the red earth of Marrakech.

Terracotta woven like fabric, Studio KO

The architectural practice entrusted with this monumental project is the French firm Studio KO. Led by Karl Fournier and Olivier Marty, they have succeeded in translating Yves Saint Laurent’s design philosophy into the language of architecture.

Studio KO is a team with an exceptional ability to reinterpret traditional local materials in a contemporary way, based on meticulous site surveys. They favour designs that emphasise minimalist yet tactile textures rather than ornate decoration.

The museum’s exterior is clad in terracotta bricks made from the red clay of Marrakech. These bricks are arranged in a staggered grid pattern, reminiscent of the weave of the tweed fabrics favoured by Yves Saint Laurent or the delicate patterns of lace.

The building’s façade, where soft curves intersect with straight lines, exudes both understated elegance and charisma, much like Saint Laurent’s iconic ‘Le Smoking’ suit.

Experience the essence of haute couture

In contrast to the rough textures of the exterior, the interior of the museum welcomes visitors with smooth, luxurious finishes.

• Permanent Exhibition Hall: Fifty of Saint Laurent’s most iconic outfits are displayed under dramatic lighting. Moving beyond a simple mannequin display, the presentation—which combines sound (music) and video—creates the illusion of standing on a fashion show catwalk.
• The Pierre Bergé Library: Housing a collection of over 6,000 books on fashion, botany and the history of Marrakech, this library is a precious space offering a glimpse into Saint Laurent’s intellectual curiosity.
• Catherine Deneuve Auditorium: This auditorium, which hosts a variety of conferences and performances, is named after the actress Catherine Deneuve, who was Saint Laurent’s muse, and boasts a state-of-the-art sound system.

The Symbiosis of Fashion and the Local Community

The Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech is not merely a place to reminisce about the past. It serves as a platform for collaborating with local artisans and supporting young Moroccan artists. By using locally sourced materials to reduce its carbon footprint, it has become a key player in promoting the identity of the city of Marrakech to the world.

This museum demonstrates that luxury fashion is not merely about glamorous clothes and jewellery, but lies in how respectfully and elegantly a region’s culture and history are expressed. Bathed in the afternoon sunlight filtering through the red bricks of Marrakech, we invite you to immerse yourself in the feast of colours so beloved by the master of fashion.

[Travel Info]

• Location: Rue Yves Saint Laurent, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
• Architecture: Studio KO
• Features: Founded by Yves Saint Laurent’s partner, Pierre Bergé. Characterised by Marrakesh’s red terracotta bricks.
• Tip: Right next to the museum lies the ‘Jardin Majorelle’, which Saint Laurent and Bergé tended themselves. It is only by visiting this garden, with its striking bright blue (Majorelle Blue) building, that Saint Laurent’s world in Marrakech is truly complete.