In the XVII century, large-scale construction began in the city of Tangier: a beautiful snow-white palace, Dar el Makhzen, was erected here by the order of the Sultan. To show his wealth, the Sultan chose the best materials and invited famous artists to work. The result is a wonderful palace complex with elegant galleries, beautiful halls, and a cozy courtyard-patio.

All the rooms in the palace make an incredible impression: the floors and walls are covered with bright mosaics, its ornament is not repeated in any room. The ceilings are made of wood, decorated with elegant carvings and paintings in rich colors. Once you get to the palace, you get the impression that it is not a house, but a real jewelry box, only of giant size.

Only two sultans have ever lived in Dar el Makhzen. After them, the complex passed to the Pasha of Tangier.

At the beginning of the XX century, the palace was in an uncertain state. There were no longer rulers living here, but nothing special happened in its beautiful halls. At the same time, the complex required care and competent maintenance. In 1922, a large-scale restoration was carried out here. And after that, it was decided to make Dar el Makhzen a museum. Its rooms are admirable pieces themselves. So why not complement them with relics and artifacts that tell the story of the city?

Now there are two museums in the palace: The Museum of Moroccan Arts and the archaeological Museum of Antiquities. In the first one, you can get acquainted with the works of famous local artists, as well as with paintings by contemporary artists of Morocco. Besides, there is a rich collection of Oriental carpets. The Museum also has a jewelry Department. As for the Museum of Antiquities, it has a rich collection of artifacts from the prehistoric era that tell the history of the country. And the main treasures are Roman mosaics and a Carthaginian tomb.