Discovering Le Real Mogador: An Art Gallery and Artist Residency in Essaouira, Morocco
Once the seat of the Italian consulate, today it’s a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of Essaouira. Le Real Mogador – Centre d’Art / Résidence d’Artistes is much more than just an art gallery. This historic riad, reimagined by the visionary François Real (also its curator), unfolds across three luminous, creativity-filled levels. Each floor feels like a world of its own, carefully curated to host works by both established and emerging artists such as Baki, El Hadar, Maoual, and Aïcha.
Le Real Mogador: a journey into Essaouira’s art scene
Le Real Mogador is a suspended space, where every detail is crafted to celebrate beauty in its purest form. Contemporary art comes to life here – through installations, temporary exhibitions, concerts, and artists’ studios. It’s a creative forge that welcomes voices and visions from around the globe.
Housed in one of the most beautiful riads in Essaouira’s Medina, it blends elegance with artistic sensibility. Its harmonious architecture, embraced by natural elements, envelops guests in a rare sense of serenity.
The spaces flow freely, designed to inspire contemplation, conversation, and attentive listening. Every sense is engaged: music accompanies the days, light filters through the rooms like a living painting, and time seems to slow down. Visiting Le Real Mogador is an immersive experience – each room tells a different story, each work invites you to look closer. This is a living place, where art converses with architecture, with silence, and with the viewer.
The artists of Le Real Mogador
The gallery plays an important role in Essaouira’s cultural fabric by showcasing both renowned artists and emerging talents from the Moroccan art scene. These artists are given the opportunity to present their work to a diverse international audience, creating a meaningful dialogue between creativity and place that strengthens community ties and highlights the richness of North African contemporary art.
More than just a gallery, Le Real Mogador acts as a bridge between creators and viewers. It’s a place where visitors can experience a genuine and often personal connection with the art – and sometimes even with the artists themselves. The fact that entry is free makes it all the more precious: a cultural touchstone open to all, locals and travelers alike.
Every visit offers the chance to discover a new piece or delve into a particular style from artists who regularly live and exhibit here – such as Baki, El Hadar, Maoul, and Said Ouarzaz.
François Real, the heart and soul of the project, personally curates every detail. The exhibition rooms are distinct in atmosphere and visual identity, each one designed to offer a fresh artistic experience. François is often around and always eager to chat, share reflections, or discuss the creative paths and techniques of the artists in residence.
A meeting point for artists and collectors
With its visionary concept, Le Real Mogador also serves as a valuable meeting point between artists and collectors. The opportunity to purchase works on display is a key aspect of the center – not only to directly support the artists and help them continue their creative journey, but also to give visitors the chance to invest in new talent. Buying a piece from Le Real Mogador means taking home a unique artwork, imbued with story and soul, while becoming part of a network of cultural patrons who believe in the power of art and beauty.
Useful information for for you visit to Le Real Mogador
The Centre d’Art is located at 2 rue Mehdi ben Toumert in Essaouira, and it’s open every day from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Entry is free, with a small contribution required if you wish to take photos or visit the third floor. You can also arrange a private visit with François Real, even outside regular hours, by contacting the venue through their official website – for an exclusive, guided tour.
François Real is often present to welcome visitors with his warm, passionate approach – always happy to share stories, insights, and anecdotes about the techniques and inspirations of the artists on display.
What to see around Le Real Mogador
As mentioned, Le Real Mogador is nestled in the Medina – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – an enchanting maze of alleyways, colorful souks, and artisan shops where you can follow the scent of spices, watch craftspeople work thuya wood, or hunt for handwoven Berber rugs.
The port of Essaouira is another iconic spot, with its signature blue boats gently rocking and the smell of fresh fish drifting through the air. Here, you can enjoy delicious seafood in one of the many restaurants lining the waterfront. The beaches offer long stretches of golden sand, perfect for a peaceful stroll or a kitesurfing session, with the sun and sea breeze as your companions. The city’s historic walls offer breathtaking views over the ocean and ramparts – especially at sunset, when the sky is painted in a thousand colors.
Essaouira is also a city of music – famous for its deep-rooted Gnawa tradition, a spiritual genre that fills the streets with hypnotic rhythms and entrancing dances. Catching a Gnawa concert is an unforgettable experience that plunges you into the city’s most soulful essence.
