Marrakech is celebrating the centenary of the Jardin Majorelle with two exceptional exhibitions, “Jardin Majorelle: Qui sommes-nous?” and “Yves Saint Laurent et la bande dessinée: La Vilaine Lulu,” both showcasing different aspects of this iconic garden and its famous former owner.
The first exhibition, “Jardin Majorelle: Qui sommes-nous?” immerses visitors in the garden’s 100-year history. Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in 1924, the garden opened to the public in 1947.
In 1980, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé acquired the garden to protect it from a redevelopment project.
This exhibition features a specially made model by Monim Sabyh, illustrating the garden’s layout, including the public garden, Villa Oasis, and the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts.
Visitors can explore numerous historical documents, including unpublished drawings by Yves Saint Laurent, architect Bill Willis, and landscaper Madison Cox, alongside rare photographs, printed works, and aerial films.
Maps and plans also provide insight into the garden’s transformation over the years, reflecting both its historical significance and its evolution within Marrakech.
The second exhibition, “Yves Saint Laurent et la bande dessinée: La Vilaine Lulu,” highlights a lesser-known aspect of Yves Saint Laurent’s creative genius: his work in comic art.
Opening on July 11, 2024, in the photography gallery of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech, it features “La Vilaine Lulu,” a comic character inspired by a 1956 anecdote involving Saint Laurent’s colleague, Jean-Pierre Frère.
This comic character, “La Vilaine Lulu,” appears in twenty-four stories, portraying her quirky adventures and distinctive language. The exhibition illustrates Saint Laurent’s playful and artistic side through his comic illustrations.
In a statement to the MAP, Madison Cox, president of the Jardin Majorelle Foundation, explained that the comic book exhibition is a departure from the usual themes of the garden’s exhibitions, showcasing Yves Saint Laurent’s creative and humorous side.
He added, “The centennial celebration allows us to reflect on our origins, our current endeavors, and our future directions, including upcoming projects like educational programs and a public library.”
Alexis Sornin, director of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech, noted that “Jardin Majorelle: Qui sommes-nous?” aims to educate visitors about the garden’s long history and the unique contributions of the over 200 staff members who work there.
He also highlighted that the second exhibition sheds light on Saint Laurent’s lesser-known talent in comic illustration.
Recognized globally as one of the most beautiful gardens, Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech drew more than 1.2 million visitors in 2023, reaffirming its status as a prominent cultural landmark in Morocco.