Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts

The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts is housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century caravanserai, or funduq, located on the carpenters’ square in Fes. Originally built to house traveling merchants and store their goods, the building itself is a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, featuring intricate cedar woodwork and zellij tilework. After falling into decay, the structure was carefully restored and reopened as a museum in 1998, preserving its historical significance while showcasing the region’s artisanal heritage.

Visitors entering the museum are greeted by a central courtyard with a restored fountain, surrounded by arches and wooden balconies. The interior displays a diverse collection of wooden artifacts, including doors, windows, musical instruments, and furniture, highlighting the skill of Fes’s carpenters. The building’s architecture is as much a part of the exhibit as the objects within it, offering a tangible lesson in traditional construction techniques.

The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with an entry fee of approximately 20-30 MAD, payable in cash. A visit typically lasts 30-45 minutes. A highlight of the experience is the rooftop terrace cafe, which offers panoramic views over the medina’s rooftops and the nearby Nejjarine Fountain. This space provides a quiet moment to reflect on the craftsmanship on display. The museum serves as a vital link to Fes’s history as a center of trade and art, allowing visitors to appreciate the enduring legacy of Moroccan woodcarving. It is an essential stop for those interested in architectural history and traditional crafts.