Anne-Claire Legendre arrived in Morocco at a pivotal moment, marking her inaugural official visit as President of the Institut du monde arabe (IMA). The five-day mission, which began on June 19, underscores the deepening cultural and diplomatic ties between France and the Kingdom.
During a press briefing at the Institut français de Casablanca, Legendre emphasized the longstanding partnership between the IMA and Morocco, a founding member of the institution since 1982. She described the country as a “trusted ally” in promoting shared cultural heritage, highlighting collaborative initiatives that have spanned decades.
a diplomatic agenda tied to cultural renewal
The visit unfolded against the backdrop of a packed Franco-Moroccan diplomatic calendar. Discussions with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita centered on the IMA’s role in strengthening bilateral relations, particularly ahead of a bilateral government meeting slated for July 2026 and the anticipated return state visit of King Mohammed VI to France. Legendre stressed the IMA’s commitment to contributing to this renewed partnership.
The itinerary was meticulously designed to bridge institutions and ideas. In Rabat, she met with Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, before exploring the ancient Chellah archaeological site and the National Institute of Archaeological Sciences and Heritage (INSAP). The agenda then shifted to Casablanca, where a roundtable gathered leaders from the National Archives, the Moroccan Cinematheque, and the National Higher Institute of Music and Choreography (INSMAC). A highlight was her meeting with Fihr Kettani, founder of the Living Arts Studio and head of the Federation of Cultural and Creative Industries (ICC). The trip concluded in Marrakech with exchanges with prominent figures such as Meriem Berrada, curator of Morocco’s first pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale, and Alexis Sornin, director of the Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé Berber Arts Museums. The visit culminated 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: unlocking Morocco’s hidden historical treasures
Archaeology emerged as a cornerstone of the discussions. Legendre described her visit to the INSAP as an opportunity to “trace the path of Moroccan archaeology.” The institute, which trains over 170 students annually, collaborates with French entities such as Inrap, CNRS, the Collège de France, and ENS. While praising Morocco’s structured training programs, Legendre highlighted the need to amplify the visibility of its research—particularly discoveries at sites like Volubilis, Banassa, and studies on Phoenician influence, rock art, and revised dating of early Homo sapiens development. She announced plans to develop an exhibition dedicated to Arab world archaeology at the IMA in Paris, aiming to showcase these often-overlooked achievements to European audiences.
The visit also spotlighted Morocco’s dynamic cultural and creative industries (ICC), with Legendre noting the Kingdom’s leading role alongside Saudi Arabia in gaming and animation. She revealed plans for the IMA to contribute to the Esports World Cup hosted by France, aligning with the IMA’s 2027 museum renovation that will integrate immersive and gamified experiences. Additionally, three new annual awards—focusing on fashion, design, and contemporary art—will be launched during major Parisian events like Fashion Week, Paris Design Week, and Paris+ by Art Basel. These prizes will offer residency opportunities, exhibitions, and professional mentorship for emerging Arab creators, addressing a recurring request from young Moroccan artists.
photography, literature, and language at the heart of collaboration
The inauguration of the Casablanca Museum of Photography and Visual Arts symbolizes a partnership rooted in the IMA’s photographic archives, which hold 86,000 images—many documenting Moroccan history through decades of photographic campaigns. Legendre expressed her intention to leverage this resource for Moroccan partners.
The exchange also tackled the promotion of the Arabic language and literature. Legendre advocated for expanding Arabic language education in France and proposed a joint initiative with Moroccan partners to translate and promote contemporary Arab and Moroccan literary works to French and European publishers. This aligns with Rabat’s designation as Arab Book Capital 2026, a role that Legendre sees as an opportunity to bridge gaps in visibility for Arab literature in France.
Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, two major exhibitions at the IMA are in development. The first, titled “Long Live the Bride!”, will explore Moroccan wedding traditions across regions and their evolution within the diaspora. The second will delve into the architectural and artistic legacy of the Alhambra during the Nasrid era and its influence on contemporary Moroccan craftsmanship.
a roadmap for cultural cooperation
The visit served as a stepping stone toward finalizing a detailed cultural cooperation roadmap between the IMA and Morocco. Legendre confirmed that a preliminary draft had been submitted and that the goal was to “finalize” the document with “quantified objectives.” The roadmap will align with key bilateral milestones, including the July 2026 government meeting. As the IMA prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027—coinciding with its museum’s redesign—the institution is entering a transformative phase, reinforcing its role as a bridge between cultures.