Villa Carl Ficke, now transformed into Casablanca's Museum of Memory, was inaugurated on Thursday, creating a dedicated space for preserving and showcasing the city's history and heritage. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Wali of the Casablanca-Settat region Mohamed Mhidia, Casablanca City Council President Nabila Rmili, and National Museums Foundation (FNM) President Mehdi Qotbi. This new cultural landmark will serve as a hub for art exhibitions and cultural events, fostering discovery and exchange. Minister Bensaid highlighted the significance of the initiative, describing it as a major step toward raising awareness of Casablanca's history, cultures, and heritage among present and future generations. Mehdi Qotbi emphasized the villa's historical richness, noting that it holds a unique collective memory of the city. He also credited King Mohammed VI's vision, which has led to the establishment of several museums across Morocco, providing citizens with spaces to explore and preserve their cultural heritage. The Museum of Memory in Casablanca will feature rotating exhibitions, allowing visitors to engage with diverse artistic expressions. Beyond its indoor galleries, a landscaped esplanade displays outdoor artworks, transforming the villa into an open-air museum and a vibrant cultural oasis in the heart of Casablanca. The project is the result of a partnership between the FNM, the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, the Municipality of Casablanca, and the Mers Sultan district, with support from the Wilaya of Casablanca-Settat and the Regional Council. It underscores Casablanca's ambition to position itself as a key cultural destination. Built in the early 20th century by German merchant Carl Ficke, the villa has served various purposes over the years. Now, it embarks on a new chapter as a space for discovery and cultural exchange, open to all.
