About Tangier American Legation Museum

Tangier American legation Museum, situated in the Medina of Tangier, is the first and only US property in a foreign land. This gorgeous 5-story building, tucked inside the Medina in Tangier is a treat for history lovers. The United States was recognized as an independent sovereign country for the first time by Morocco in 1777 when it opened its port to the US. Since then, the two countries have strengthened their friendship with many treaties and mutual help. The museum was gifted to the US by Sultan Moulay Suliman in 1821, which aided in furthering their blossoming relationship.

The typical Moorish style architecture of this building is captivating, a special treat to architecture aficionados. The courtyard is the highlight of this building’s dazzling architecture. The paintings and artifacts at the Tangier American legation Museum are a visual delight. You could find paintings of artists like Marguerite McBay, a legendary American photographer and painter. There are some unusual displays like James McBey's painting of his servant girl “Zohra” which is hypnotic since her eyes would follow you from whichever angle you look at the painting.

There is also a Moroccan Stars and Stripes carpet which has its unique appeal. One small wing in the museum is dedicated to Paul Bowles, the American author. The Legation is an important piece of the monument that maintains American history in North Africa. This place is also a cultural center and a research library. It also runs an intensive literacy program for the women in medina.

Must See

  • The attractive Moorish Courtyard style architecture of the building
  • Paul Bowl’s wing in the museum which is devoted to the writer, musicologist, translator, and composer Paul Bowl
  • Legation’s annual seminar in April where experts and interested people meet to discuss historical and cultural facts of the Maghreb
  • Its fascinating collection of paintings and other artifacts especially Jewish Moroccan wedding costume collection
  • The artifact which contains a detailed plan of the Battle of the Three King

How to reach

By air: The nearest airport to Tangier American Legation Museum is Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport (TNG).

By taxi: Taxi takes 16 minutes to cover a distance of 14.8 kilometers from the airport to the museum. It would cost you from 64 to 79 Dirham.

Drive: You can also drive to the destination and the fuel cost would be between 5 to 8 Dirham.

 

Tips

  • You could opt for a VIP tour with a guide which would cost you 50 Dirham and would be a very comfortable and informative experience
  • Be sure to look for the hidden gem of a private collection of Berber/Jewish history and bridal outfits like gowns and dresses
  • It is located at the south end of the medina and is easier to access from outside rather than from within the Medina
  • The exhibits are well explained in many languages apart from English
  • This building can provide you a break from bustling Medina crowd outside
  • You can roam freely in the building and explore it at your own pace
  • It is not convenient to use strollers within the building
  • The gardens inside are a good place for a relaxing time
  • If you are a teacher and taking a group of students for a tour then you can make use of “Lesson plans” to prepare your students; Lesson plans are available on the official website of the museum

Visit Time

Sunday:          Closed

Monday:         10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday:        10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday:   10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Thursday:       10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Friday:            10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday:        10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The museum is closed on all public Moroccan holidays.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

20 Dirham for adults and free for kids under 12

Read more

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 to 1.5 hours

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Clear Sky 14.74°C

 

Local Services in Tangier (Contact directly)

Discussion

No threads yet!

Be the first one to start a thread.

Top Attractions in Tangier

Top Cities in Morocco