Anne-Claire Legendre made her position clear from the outset during the press briefing at the French Institute in Casablanca on June 22: this marked her «first official visit to Morocco in her capacity as president of the Institut du monde arabe (IMA).» Morocco, a founding member of the IMA since 1982, stands as a «trusted partner,» she emphasized, highlighting decades of collaboration in showcasing the Kingdom’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

The visit aligns with an intensive Franco-Moroccan diplomatic agenda. During her meeting with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Legendre underscored «the role of the IMA in strengthening bilateral relations,» timed to coincide with the upcoming July 2026 bilateral government meeting and the anticipated «return state visit to France by King Mohammed VI.» The IMA aims to «actively contribute to this renewed partnership dynamic.»

A journey across Morocco’s cultural landscape

The itinerary began in Rabat on June 19 with a working session with Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mehdi Bensaid. This was followed by a tour of the ancient Chellah ruins and the National Institute of Archaeological Sciences and Heritage (INSAP). In Casablanca, a gathering at the National Library brought together leaders from the National Archives, the Moroccan Cinematheque, and the National Higher Institute of Music and Dance (INSMAC). The president also met Fihr Kettani, head of the Federation of Cultural and Creative Industries (ICC) and founder of the Studio des Arts Vivants. The trip concluded in Marrakech with engagements alongside prominent figures in Morocco’s domestic and international art scenes—including Meriem Berrada, curator of Morocco’s first-ever national pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale, and Alexis Sornin, director of the Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé Berber Art Museums. The visit wrapped up in Casablanca with the inauguration of the Museum of Photography and Visual Arts, attended by Mehdi Qotbi, president of the National Federation of Museums.

Archaeology: elevating Moroccan research on the world stage

During the press conference, Legendre stressed that archaeology is a cornerstone of the IMA’s partnership with Morocco. The visit to INSAP, she said, was an opportunity to «gain deeper insight into the trajectory of Moroccan archaeological research.» The institute currently trains over 170 students and collaborates with major French institutions, including Inrap, CNRS, the Collège de France, and ENS. However, the focus is not on training, which is already well-established in Morocco, but on «showcasing research findings,» she noted. Many discoveries—such as new insights into Volubilis, Banassa, Phoenician sites, rock art, and revised dating of Homo sapiens development—remain «largely unknown to the European public.» Legendre announced that upon returning to Paris, the IMA will explore organizing an exhibition dedicated to the archaeology of the Arab world.

Cultural and creative industries: gaming, design, and artistic residencies

Legendre also highlighted Morocco’s—and Saudi Arabia’s—leading roles in the Arab world’s gaming and animation sectors. She revealed the IMA’s involvement in supporting the Esports World Cup, to be hosted in France following a request from Saudi Arabia. This initiative ties into the IMA’s museum renovation project, slated for 2027, which will integrate immersive and gamified experiences.

Further commitments include the launch of three annual awards in fashion, design, and contemporary art, to be presented alongside major Parisian events such as Fashion Week, Paris Design Week, and Paris+ by Art Basel. These prizes will offer emerging Arab creators opportunities for residencies, exhibitions, and professional mentorship in France. The demand for such artistic residencies connected to the IMA’s network in France and the Arab world was a recurring theme during discussions with young Moroccan creators.

Photography, literature, and the Arabic language

The inauguration of the Museum of Photography and Visual Arts in Casablanca marks the fruition of a partnership first discussed with Mehdi Qotbi. A key component is the IMA’s photothèque, housing 86,000 photographs, many of which document Morocco through multiple photographic campaigns. Legendre expressed her intention to «share these resources with Moroccan partners.»

The visit also addressed the promotion of the Arabic language and literature. Legendre emphasized the need to «expand Arabic language education in France,» and announced plans for the IMA to collaborate with Moroccan partners in identifying works by young Arab and Moroccan writers for translation and distribution to French and European publishers. This effort aligns with Rabat’s designation as Arab World Book Capital for 2026. Legendre pointed to a «significant gap» in visibility, noting that French publishers often overlook contemporary Arab literature.

Two major exhibitions to spotlight Moroccan heritage

Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, the IMA will host two landmark exhibitions. The first, titled «Long Live the Bride!», will explore marriage traditions and objects across Morocco’s regions, including their evolution within the diaspora. The second will delve into the legacy of the Alhambra during the Nasrid era, examining its influence on Moroccan architecture, craftsmanship, and contemporary art forms.

The entire visit culminated in finalizing a cultural cooperation roadmap between the IMA and Morocco. Legendre confirmed that a preliminary draft had already been submitted and that the purpose of the trip was to «finalize» the document with «measurable objectives.» The roadmap is set to align with key bilateral milestones, beginning with the July 2026 intergovernmental meeting. As the IMA prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027—coinciding with the launch of its museum’s redesign—these initiatives signal a dynamic new phase in cultural exchange.