Rabat, a UNESCO certified World Heritage city is quickly evolving from its sole image as Morocco’s administrative and political hub to cultural capital.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has embarked on a mission to showcase Rabat as the Kingdom’s cultural capital.
Ongoing projects include the construction of the medieval Islamic inspired Grand National Theater, set to revolutionize the theater experience. The King commissioned the Zaha Hadid Architects to design a world-class auditorium to hold 1800 seats and an amphitheater for up to 7000 people. There will also be dressing rooms for artists and spectators, cafes and restaurants. The project is estimated at 1,677 million dirhams.
Other continuous projects included the renovation of the Oudayas Kasbah’s Semaphore Square, one of the most historic squares in Rabat; the restoration of the Sale Medina, restructuring the Potters Quarters and building the 36-hectare Chellah Eco Park.
Already completed cultural projects include the Mohammed VI Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of History and Civilizations, and the National Library which houses 350,000 books.