Situated between the Rabat lighthouse and the former military hospital, Fort Rottembourg, also known as Fort Hervé or Borj El Kebir, stands as a historic fortification established in the late 19th century along the Rabat corniche. It was originally built to accommodate two 30-ton cannons gifted by Hamburg, Germany. The fort’s construction was initiated in June 1888 under the supervision of German engineer Walter Rottemburg which reached completion in 1894 after 12 years of work. Renamed “Fort Hervé” in 1912 by the French, it holds the distinction of being the first reinforced concrete structure built in Morocco.

Described in 1906 as a concrete dome encircled by deep moats, the fort symbolized diplomatic importance and reflected the geopolitical tensions of its time. Among many debates over Morocco’s fate with European powers, the French and Germans vied for influence, with the latter’s gesture of cannon gifting aimed at winning favor with Sultan Moulay Hassan at the time to resist colonization efforts.

Since its inauguration in January 2020, the National Museum of Photography has showcased the wonderful Moroccan photographic scene through two noteworthy exhibitions. The exhibition, “Sourtna,” featured works from eighteen emerging and contemporary Moroccan photographers that captured the essence of Moroccan youth, local cultures, and societal diversity while immortalizing everyday moments. Additionally, the museum collaborated with the Agence Française Presse (AFP) and the French Institute of Morocco for the exhibition “A bonne distance(s),” offering a global perspective on the Covid-19 pandemic through the lenses of AFP photojournalists.

In August 2021, the museum launched an exhibition showcasing photographs acquired through a competition organized by the FNM and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports.

Furthermore, the museum hosted the “Women Photographers” exhibition in March 2022.

This collective showcase features works from 24 photographers, reflecting their diverse inspirations and commitments. The exhibited photos explore various artistic and sociological themes, from body explorations to broader questions concerning women’s experiences.

The National Museum of Photography welcomes visitors every day from 10 am to 6 pm, except on Tuesdays and admission tickets are 20 dirhams per person.