Anne-Claire Legendre’s official visit to Morocco: a leap forward for cultural cooperation

The president of the Institut du monde arabe (IMA), Anne-Claire Legendre, has just wrapped up an official visit to the Kingdom of Morocco, marking her first international engagement in her new role. The three-day tour, which began on June 19, was packed with high-level meetings, cultural exchanges, and strategic discussions aimed at deepening ties between Morocco and the IMA.

Diplomatic momentum and bilateral cooperation

During her stay, Legendre engaged with key Moroccan officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita, to explore ways the IMA could further support the evolving franco-Moroccan partnership. The visit aligns with an ambitious diplomatic calendar, including a joint government meeting slated for July 2026 and the anticipated return state visit of King Mohammed VI to France. The IMA’s role in this renewal was a central topic of discussion.

A journey through Morocco’s cultural and historical landscape

The itinerary was carefully designed to highlight Morocco’s rich heritage and dynamic creative sectors. In Rabat, Legendre met with Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mehdi Bensaid before visiting the ancient Chellah archaeological site and the National Institute of Archaeological Sciences and Heritage (INSAP). The INSAP, which trains over 170 students annually, collaborates with French institutions such as the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS).

In Casablanca, she convened a roundtable at the National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco, bringing together leaders from the National Archives, the Moroccan Cinémathèque, and the National Institute of Music and Dance Arts (INSMAC). A highlight was her meeting with Fihr Kettani, founder of the Living Arts Studio and president of the Federation of Cultural and Creative Industries (ICC), which is actively shaping Morocco’s booming gaming and animation sector.

The visit concluded in Marrakech with meetings with prominent figures in the arts, including Meriem Berrada, curator of Morocco’s inaugural pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale, and Alexis Sornin, director of the Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé Berber Arts Museums. The tour wrapped up with the inauguration of the Casablanca Museum of Photography and Visual Arts, alongside Mehdi Qotbi, president of the National Federation of Museums.

Archaeology: unlocking Morocco’s hidden stories

Archaeology emerged as a key pillar of the discussions. Legendre emphasized the need to elevate Morocco’s archaeological discoveries, which include groundbreaking findings at sites like Volubilis, Banassa, and the Phénicians, as well as revisions to the timeline of Homo sapiens development. Despite Morocco’s advanced training programs, she noted that these achievements remain underrecognized in Europe.

To address this, the IMA is exploring a major exhibition in Paris dedicated to Arab archaeology, set to coincide with the institution’s 40th anniversary in 2027—a year that also marks the launch of a full renovation of the IMA’s museum.

Cultural industries and creative innovation

Morocco and Saudi Arabia stand out in the Arab world for their investment in gaming and animation. The IMA is poised to contribute to the Esports World Cup hosted by France, following a request from Saudi Arabia, while aligning this initiative with the museum’s upcoming transformation. A revamped IMA museum will integrate immersive technologies and gamification elements to engage younger audiences.

To nurture emerging talent, Legendre announced three annual awards in fashion, design, and contemporary art, to be presented during major Parisian events like Fashion Week, Paris Design Week, and Paris+ by Art Basel. Winners will receive residencies, exhibition opportunities, and professional mentorship in France, responding to repeated requests from young Moroccan creators.

Photography, literature, and language: bridging cultures

The inauguration of the Casablanca Museum of Photography and Visual Arts underscores a partnership centered on the IMA’s vast photothèque, which holds 86,000 images—many documenting Morocco’s history and landscapes. Legendre expressed her intention to make this resource more accessible to Moroccan partners.

Language and literature also took center stage. Legendre highlighted the urgency of expanding the teaching of Arabic in France and proposed a joint effort with Moroccan partners to identify and translate contemporary works from the Arab and Moroccan literary scenes. This initiative aligns with Rabat’s designation as Arab Book Capital 2026 and aims to address the limited visibility of Arabic literature among French publishers.

Looking ahead: a roadmap for cultural cooperation

The visit served as a pivotal step in finalizing a cultural cooperation roadmap between the IMA and Morocco. A draft proposal was already submitted, and the trip focused on refining it with measurable goals. The roadmap will be structured around key bilateral milestones, starting with next year’s government meeting in July 2026. With the IMA’s 40th anniversary and museum renovation on the horizon, this partnership signals a new chapter in Franco-Moroccan cultural diplomacy.