The title of cultural capital in Morocco remains in Marrakech. However, Casablanca is rebelling against it's industrial reputation and trying to foster several new and refurbished cultural institutions.

Theater

Marun Al Naqquash, Sheikh Abou Khalil Qabbani and Ya'coub Sannu fought conservatives in Morocco to bring theatre to the country. Shadow Theaters, where a narrator tells a story with accompanying music, became popular. Western influence brought Western theatre, but buildings have been slower to materialize and performances are primarily in open air theaters.

Amazigh Theatre Festival
This theatre festival is held in Casablanca during the month of May. Performances are in the Berber language with a focus on the customs of Berber culture.

• The Alliance Franco-Marocaine Theater - Located in Agadir, this theatre offers French performances, workshops, lectures and films.
• Gran Teatro de Cervantes - Named for the 16th century novelist, playwright and poet, Miguel Cervantes, this theater opened in 1913 in Tangiers. Currently undergoing restoration.
• Marrakech Popular Arts Festival - Held in June or July, Marrakech hosts this festival of singers, snake charmers, fortune-tellers, dancers, acrobats, musicians, theater performers.
• Municipal Theater Complex - Located in Agadir, it is a major cultural center.

Opera

Le Théâtre Royal
Address: 40, boulevard Mohamed VI; Marrakech 40000
Hours: 06:00-18:00 Mon - Fri & 06:00-13:30 Sat - Sun
The Marrakech Royal Theatre is an 800-seat opera house and open air theatre.

Museums

There are only a few museums in Casablanca, but they offer a unique insight into the history of the area. National museums are generally closed on Tuesdays and museums located in government office buildings may be closed at weekends.

Ministry of Culture
Address: Avenue Mohamed V, quartier des Ministères, Rabat
Tel (212 7) 76 60 54 / 73 80 37
Fax. (212 7) 76 88 14

Jewish Museum of Casablanca
Address: 81 Rue Chasseur Jules Gros Quartier Oasis
Tel.: 022 994940
Admission: Dh 20; with guide Dh30
Hours: 10:00-18:00 Monday to Friday
Illustrates the history of the Jewish community in Morocco. Collections of more than 1500 historical artefacts, traditional Jewish clothing and a synagogue.

Villa des Arts
Address: between the Mäarif quarter & the Arab League Park.
Holds temporary exhibitions of the work of contemporary Moroccan artists. A restored building, it has recently become a fully-fledged museum of modern art.