The newly appointed president of the Institut du monde arabe (IMA), Anne-Claire Legendre, made her first official trip to Morocco since taking office, underscoring the strategic importance of the Kingdom in the institution’s cultural diplomacy. Speaking at a press conference held at the French Institute in Casablanca, she emphasized Morocco’s role as a “trusted partner” since the IMA’s founding in 1982, highlighting decades of collaboration in showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage.

This visit coincides with a busy period in Franco-Moroccan diplomatic relations. During her meeting with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Legendre discussed the IMA’s role in strengthening bilateral ties, particularly ahead of a scheduled meeting between the two governments in July 2026 and the anticipated return state visit of King Mohammed VI to France. The IMA aims to “contribute to this renewed partnership dynamic,” she stated.

From Rabat to Marrakech: a cultural immersion

The itinerary began in Rabat on June 19 with a working session with Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication Mehdi Bensaid. The visit included a tour of the Chellah archaeological site and the National Institute of Archaeological and Heritage Sciences (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 visit also featured meetings with key figures in Morocco’s cultural sector, including Fihr Kettani, president of the Federation of Cultural and Creative Industries and founder of the Studio des Arts Vivants. The journey concluded in Marrakech with discussions with prominent artists such as Meriem Berrada, curator of Morocco’s inaugural pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale, and Alexis Sornin, director of the Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé Berber Arts Museums. The tour 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: bridging Moroccan research with global audiences

Legendre highlighted archaeology as a cornerstone of the IMA’s mission. Her visit to INSAP provided insight into “the path Morocco is taking in archaeological research,” she noted. The institute, which trains over 170 students, collaborates with French institutions such as Inrap, CNRS, Collège de France, and ENS. While Morocco has a well-established training system, the IMA’s focus is on “showcasing research findings,” particularly discoveries that have reshaped understanding of sites like Volubilis, Banassa, and Phoenician influences, as well as rock art and early Homo sapiens development timelines. Legendre announced plans to develop an exhibition on Arab-world archaeology in Paris upon her return.

On cultural and creative industries, she pointed to Morocco and Saudi Arabia as frontrunners in gaming and animation within the Arab world. The IMA will support France’s hosting of the Esports World Cup, requested by Saudi Arabia, aligning with plans to revamp its museum in 2027, which will incorporate immersive and gamified experiences.

Supporting emerging Arab artists and literary voices

Legendre announced the creation of three annual awards in fashion, design, and contemporary art, to be presented alongside major Parisian events like Fashion Week, Paris Design Week, and Paris+ by Art Basel. These awards will offer emerging Arab creators opportunities for residencies, exhibitions, and professional development in France, responding to repeated requests from Moroccan artists during her visit.

The inauguration of the Museum of Photography and Visual Arts in Casablanca marks a milestone in the IMA’s partnership with Morocco, leveraging its 86,000-image photothèque, which includes extensive documentation of the country. Legendre expressed her intention to share these resources with Moroccan partners.

The IMA also plans to expand Arabic language education in France and collaborate with Moroccan partners to identify contemporary literary works for translation and distribution to French and European publishers. This effort aligns with Rabat’s designation as the 2026 Arab Capital of Books, addressing a perceived lack of visibility for contemporary Arab literature among French publishers.

Exhibitions and a roadmap for the future

Two major exhibitions are slated for the IMA’s second half of 2026. The first, “Long Live the Bride!,” will explore wedding traditions and objects across Morocco’s regions, including their evolution within the diaspora. The second will delve into the splendor of the Alhambra during the Nasrid era and its influence on Moroccan architecture, craftsmanship, and contemporary art.

This visit served as a stepping stone toward finalizing a cultural cooperation roadmap between the IMA and Morocco. Legendre revealed that a preliminary proposal had already been submitted, and the trip aimed to “finalize” the document with “quantifiable goals.” The roadmap will align with key bilateral milestones, including the government meeting scheduled for July 2026. With the IMA celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2027 and undergoing a museum overhaul, this visit marks a pivotal moment in its evolution.