National Museum of Photography in Rabat [Photos / Video]

Hello friends,

Today I'd like to share with you a discovery I made on one of my walks along the Rabat coast. I was taking a leisurely stroll, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the view, when I came across an unexpected historical treasure. It's a magnificent old fort called Rottembourg.

This fort is not just a simple old building, it also houses an absolutely remarkable museum and photo exhibition. What makes this exhibition so special is the wealth of meaning that each image conveys. You'll find deeply human messages, reflections on society, touches of philosophy, and even spiritual inspiration.

I was completely captivated by the unique atmosphere of this place. Each photograph seems to speak to you of a wider world, full of emotions and questions. Whether you're a history buff or an art lover, this place has something enriching to offer.

The fort's name is attributed to the German engineer Walter Rottembourg, who directed the building's construction. Construction began in June 1888 and took 12 years. In 1912, the French renamed the fort the ‘Tour Hervi’. This building was one of the first structures built in reinforced concrete in the history of Morocco.

In 1906, a French magazine described the structure as a maritime and colonial marvel, underlining its strategic importance. In particular, it was used to monitor the coast and reinforce the defence network.

The two cannons in front of the main door are much more than just a decorative feature. They represent a piece of history! These cannons, donated by Germany to Morocco at the end of the 19ᵉ century, bear witness to a time when diplomatic relations and exchanges between nations took symbolic forms such as this. It was also a way of sealing alliances or strengthening bonds of friendship between countries.

These two sturdy and impressive cannons seem to stand guard over the entrance to the fort, as if they were still guarding a part of the past.

Before even entering the museum to discover what it contains, I took the time to walk around the fort to observe its exterior structure. The building has been carefully restored, with attention paid to every detail to preserve its original appearance as it was in the 19th century.

As soon as you enter the exhibition, a long corridor opens up in front of you, each photo catching your eye and inviting you to discover its secrets.

For example, one of the first images that caught my eye was of a scene from ancient Greek civilisation. It had such a strong aura that it seemed to carry with it all the weight and grandeur of that era.

As I wandered along the corridor, each photo seemed to call to me, each with its own style and its own story. There are depictions of different cultures, intense human emotions, and even reflections on profound themes such as the passage of time or the relationship between man and nature.

I found myself pausing for long periods in front of certain works, as if they had the power to slow down the pace of my thoughts, to help me savour the moment and reflect on what each image was trying to convey.

This exhibition showcases the work of photographer Rida. Since 1979, this passionate photographer has been capturing unique moments, everyday scenes and stories that cross borders. What makes his photos so special is their ability to plunge us into a real ‘contemporary odyssey’ - a fascinating journey through cultures, emotions and landscapes.

Rida doesn't just document moments. His work explores profound themes such as beauty, the challenges of life, hope and humanity. Each photo tells a story, often linked to our Moroccan heritage or to the richness of human interaction. It's as if his images invite us to look beyond appearances to discover stories full of meaning and emotion.

Walking through the exhibition, you feel transported into different worlds: You can feel the attention to detail, the subtle light that guides your gaze, and the authenticity that touches your heart. This museum is a place where past, present and future meet. It celebrates photography as a universal language, capable of linking cultures and telling stories that words alone cannot convey.

The rooms in which these photographs were displayed were also remarkable. The way they were laid out and lit literally transported you to another era. The walls, the ceilings and even the atmosphere of the place gave the impression that you were walking through a military fort still in use.

What I found really beautiful and soothing was the atmosphere of sound that enveloped the whole place. Calm voices reciting words imbued with wisdom and reflection. Sometimes in Arabic, sometimes in French, and sometimes even in English, these words sound like an invitation to serenity. They touch on universal themes such as spirituality, the search for meaning, and the depths of the human soul. So I thought I'd capture a little piece of this unique atmosphere and share it with you. I filmed a short video as I walked through one of the museum's corridors. It was a simple but emotional moment, and I thought it would be perfect as the first piece of content for my youtube channel 😊

After finishing my visit inside the fort, I went outside to discover the terrace. What a nice surprise to see that even here, art was on show! On the terrace, superb photographs were also on display, carefully arranged to capture your attention immediately. Each image seemed to tell a story or convey an emotion, and their location in the open air added a magical touch to the whole.

But what really stood out for me was the breathtaking view of the sea from this terrace. The scenery is simply breathtaking. I found myself facing the ocean, my gaze lost in the horizon, lulled by the sound of the waves. The moment was like a tableau vivant, where nature and history come together.

Closing my eyes for a moment, I imagined myself in the shoes of a medieval soldier, posted there, scanning the horizon for possible dangers. I imagined enemy ships approaching in the distance, pirates, or even a surprise attack. It was a real immersion in the past, where the fort came alive in my mind, with all the weight of its military and strategic history.

The visit ended with this grandiose vision of the sea, a mixture of wonder and respect for those who once lived and worked within these walls. It was a unique experience, which left me both enriched and inspired.

I highly recommend a visit to this museum and exhibition, nestled in the heart of this historic fort, to anyone visiting the city of Rabat. It's a real nugget, especially for lovers of art, photography and history. I can assure you that you won't regret it! It's a unique experience, rich in emotion and discovery.

I hope you've enjoyed this article and that it's inspired you to discover this place for yourself. Take good care of yourself, and we'll see you soon for another post. See you soon!

Photos taken by my own phone (Samsung Galaxy A04s).