Dar Jamai Museum

Dar Jamai Museum is housed in a late 19th-century palace beside Place el-Hedim in the medina of Meknès, Morocco. It was built in 1882 for Mohammed ben Larbi Jamai, a vizier who later became grand vizier under Sultan Hassan I, and it was converted into a museum of Moroccan arts in the early 20th century. The palace is a good example of Hispano-Moorish domestic architecture, with a central courtyard, carved cedar ceilings, painted woodwork, stucco and zellige panels, and an Andalusian garden planted with fruit trees and palms. The collection presents the decorative arts of the Meknès region. Exhibits include Damascene-style metalwork, ceramics, embroidery and textiles, carved wooden doors and chests, jewellery, weapons, Quranic manuscripts and musical instruments. Ceramics from Meknès and the region show how production changed over time, while historic costumes and silks show urban fashion. The curatorial approach is thematic and organised by craft, with rooms arranged around the courtyard. A hall furnished as a traditional reception room shows how a wealthy household lived. The garden and a small cafe offer a quiet space away from the busy square. The building has been restored by the Moroccan authorities, and it remains in good condition, though some sections have had periodic closures for maintenance. It is located close to Bab Mansour and the medina entrance, so it fits easily into a walk through the historic centre. Entry fees are modest, usually about 20 MAD, and the visit takes around 45 minutes.