Cinema Museum | Ouarzazate

The Cinema Museum (Musée du Cinéma) in Ouarzazate, Morocco, is a fascinating destination for film lovers and travelers interested in Morocco’s long-standing role in international cinema. Located right in front of the Kasbah of Taourirt, this museum showcases the cinematic history of the region and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Morocco became known as the "Hollywood of Africa."

Overview

Location: Central Ouarzazate, across from the historic Kasbah Taourirt

Housed in: A former Italian film studio from the 1980s

Purpose: Celebrates the films made in and around Ouarzazate, and gives visitors access to real sets, props, costumes, and film equipment

Ouarzazate has served as a filming location for dozens of blockbusters and series due to its dramatic desert landscapes, ancient architecture, and versatile environment. The museum pays tribute to this legacy.

What to Expect

1. Film Sets and Props

The museum includes indoor and outdoor sets from movies and TV series filmed in the area. These aren't replicas—they’re actual sets used in productions. You’ll find:

Egyptian temples and tombs

Roman-style courtyards and columns

Medieval prison cells

Ancient palaces and fortifications

Many props, statues, and large-scale decorations were left behind by international studios and now form the heart of the museum.

2. Costumes and Equipment

See original costumes worn in films like Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and The Mummy.

Vintage and modern filmmaking equipment are also on display—cameras, lighting gear, editing tools, and more.

It’s a great way to learn how these big-budget films came together using minimal CGI and impressive set-building.

3. Movie Memorabilia

Posters, storyboards, behind-the-scenes photos, and scripts from iconic movies filmed in the region.

Documented history of Ouarzazate’s role in international cinema, especially from the 1960s onward.

Famous Productions Linked to Ouarzazate

Many of the films highlighted in the museum were shot either at nearby studios (like Atlas Studios or CLA Studios) or on-location in the Ouarzazate region:

Lawrence of Arabia

Gladiator

Kingdom of Heaven

Game of Thrones (Yunkai scenes)

The Jewel of the Nile

Babel

The Mummy

Prince of Persia

Visiting Info

Opening Hours: Typically open daily from around 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but it’s best to check locally for exact times.

Entrance Fee: Around 30 MAD (subject to change)

Duration: A visit takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your interest level.

Guided or Self-Tour: It’s mostly self-guided, though sometimes staff are available to offer insights.

Why Visit?

Film Buff’s Paradise: If you love epic historical or desert-themed films, seeing these sets in person is an exciting, immersive experience.

Cultural Crossroads: Shows how Morocco became a vital backdrop for storytelling across cultures and genres.

Unique and Quirky: Unlike conventional museums, this one is all about creative illusion, and you’re encouraged to walk around the sets and take photos.

Easily Accessible: Its central location in Ouarzazate makes it a perfect stop when exploring the city or visiting nearby Kasbah Taourirt.

Travel Tip

After visiting the museum, walk across the street to explore Kasbah Taourirt—another stunning example of traditional Moroccan architecture and a former residence of the powerful El Glaoui family. The two sites make for a great cultural and visual double-feature.