Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts

Place an Nejjarine, Fes, Morocco

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Introduction

The Nejjarine Market, founded in 1711 by Sultan Moulay Ismaïl, is located in the old city of Fez. It consists of three areas and 51 shops, making it the commercial center of the old city. In 1916, the market was listed as a historical heritage site. However, during the French colonial period in the 1940s, it was converted into a police district and gradually fell into disrepair over time. In 1976, the UNESCO resolution to protect the old city of Fez was passed at the Nairobi Conference. King Hassan II dedicated himself to restoring the old city, and the national government called for the restoration of the Nejjarine district, which includes the market, square, fountains, and various carpentry shops, with funding from the Mohammed Karim Lamrani Foundation. The restoration work lasted from 1990 to 1996 and successfully revived the market's former glory through great efforts. Furthermore, an investment of 25 million dirhams allowed the Nejjarine district to establish a museum of woodworking crafts, showcasing traditional wooden products from the entire old city, including both ancient and modern creations. Through these crafts, we can see the evolution of Moroccan history. The museum is managed by the Mohammed Karim Lamrani Foundation and officially opened to the public on May 23, 1998.