The Temporary Pavilion at Jardin Majorelle: A New Chapter of Nature, Architecture, and Artistic Exploration

A landmark in Marrakech’s cultural and botanical landscape, Jardin Majorelle is set to unveil a groundbreaking addition: The Temporary Pavilion, opening on January 31, 2025. Nestled in the private garden of the Villa Oasis, this ephemeral structure invites visitors into a new dimension of discovery—one that merges environmental awareness, architectural creativity, and botanical heritage.

A First in Jardin Majorelle’s History

Since opening to the public in 1947, Jardin Majorelle has never featured a dedicated exhibition space within its grounds. With the introduction of the Temporary Pavilion, the garden’s narrative takes a transformative turn. More than just a new stop on the visitor trail, it offers a renewed sensory and intellectual experience, providing fresh insight into the garden’s rich plant life and historical context.

A Visionary Architectural Initiative

To commemorate the garden’s centenary, Madison Cox, President of the Fondation Jardin Majorelle, commissioned Hiba Bensalek, a promising Moroccan architect educated in France, to design a 100 m² eco-conscious structure. Built with sustainability in mind and seamlessly integrated into the surrounding landscape, the pavilion represents a forward-thinking fusion of form and function.

This inaugural commission marks the beginning of a broader initiative. Starting in 2026, a national architectural competition will invite young Moroccan architects to design a new pavilion every two years. Each edition will serve as a platform for creative expression, reflecting evolving narratives of place, identity, and ecological sensitivity.

An Inaugural Exhibition Bridging Science and Art

Opening alongside the pavilion is “Flore Majorelle: A Living Collection”, a curated exhibition featuring 20 emblematic or rare plant species selected from the 400 varieties housed in the garden. Curated by renowned Californian botanist Dean G. Kelch, the selection balances botanical precision with aesthetic wonder.

The exhibition is further elevated by a creative collaboration with Jaimal Odedra, under whose artistic direction the graphic team at Jardin Majorelle produced a series of bespoke botanical illustrations. Through this blend of scientific taxonomy and artistic interpretation, the exhibit becomes an immersive, multisensory journey into the garden’s living legacy.

A Living Ecosystem of Culture and Education

More than a temporary display space, the pavilion symbolizes the Fondation Jardin Majorelle’s commitment to environmental stewardship, cultural dialogue, and educational outreach. It embodies the foundation’s mission to preserve the heritage of Jardin Majorelle, the Villa Oasis, and the museums dedicated to Berber arts and Yves Saint Laurent.

By opening its doors to experimental architecture and interdisciplinary curation, the pavilion stands as a living laboratory—a space where nature meets imagination, and where the next generation of thinkers and creators can thrive.

The Temporary Pavilion is not merely a structure. It is a manifesto—for sustainable design, for cultural memory, and for a renewed understanding of botanical beauty. As Jardin Majorelle continues to evolve, it reinforces its place not just as a historical treasure, but as a dynamic site of artistic and intellectual exchange.