*Practical information checked on October 2, 2026. Interior access, opening hours, prices and events may change: please check them before your visit.*
# Casablanca Art Deco: A Walking Tour to Discover the City Differently
When you think of Casablanca, you probably picture the **Hassan II Mosque**, the ocean, the Corniche or the city's large central avenues.
But there is another way to discover Casablanca.
You simply need to look up.
Above the shops, cafés and traffic, you'll find facades with geometric lines, wrought-iron balconies, rounded windows, sculpted friezes, domes and details directly inspired by Moroccan architecture.
This is where Casablanca becomes particularly fascinating.
The city is not simply a destination where you come to see a few famous monuments. Its city center is also a kind of **open-air architecture museum**, largely built during the first half of the 20th century.
And the best part?
**Much of this discovery can be done on foot, without a ticket and without having to join an organized tour.**
You simply need to know where to look.
This guide offers a real walking tour through the city center: the squares worth seeing, the buildings to observe, the architectural details to look for, places to take a break, buildings whose interiors may be accessible, and others that are best admired from the street.
---
# Why Does Casablanca Have So Much Art Deco Architecture?
To understand the facades of central Casablanca, it helps to go back to the beginning of the 20th century.
Casablanca was experiencing extremely rapid growth.
From 1915 onward, urban planner **Henri Prost** worked on organizing the new urban center. The city gradually transformed with new avenues, squares, administrative buildings, shops and residential buildings.
But Casablanca did not simply copy European architectural models.
Architects also worked with Moroccan forms and materials.
This combination is what makes Casablanca's architecture so distinctive.
You can find:
- geometric Art Deco forms;
- modernist lines and volumes;
- references to neo-Moorish architecture;
- **zellige** tiles;
- green glazed tiles;
- carved wood;
- arches;
- geometric patterns inspired by Moroccan art.
The result is architecture that does not look exactly like that of a European city.
**Casablanca developed its own architectural language.**
This historic photograph of the Excelsior Hotel also gives an idea of how quickly the new Casablanca developed.
Today, this architectural history is one of the city's great cultural assets.
Casablanca has been on UNESCO's [Tentative List](https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5848/) since 2013 under the title **“Casablanca, city of the 20th century, crossroads of influences.”**
It is important to note, however, that this means the site is on the Tentative List and **is not currently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List**.
The association [Casamémoire](https://www.casamemoire.org), founded in 1995, also plays an important role in documenting and preserving this heritage.
To place this architecture within the city's broader history, you can also read our article on [the history and heritage of Casablanca](/guides-inspirations/casablanca-histoire-patrimoine-guide-complet).
---
# How to Recognize Art Deco in Casablanca
You don't need to be an architect to start spotting interesting buildings.
In fact, a walk through Casablanca becomes much more enjoyable once you start looking for certain details.
Look up and observe:
- **rounded corners**;
- recessed facades;
- wrought-iron balconies with geometric patterns;
- friezes and bas-reliefs;
- vertical windows;
- signs integrated into facades;
- clocks;
- symmetrical compositions;
- geometric shapes;
- Moroccan decorative elements;
- zellige;
- green tiles;
- carved wood;
- arches.
But there is one important thing to understand.
**Not every building you see is strictly Art Deco.**
The city center brings together several influences: neo-Moorish architecture, Art Deco, modernism and European architecture.
And that is precisely what makes the walk interesting.
Instead of looking only for “Art Deco buildings,” try to observe how different styles stand next to each other along the same streets.
You will begin to understand how Casablanca evolved.
---
# The Casablanca Art Deco Walking Tour
**Suggested duration: 2 to 3 hours on foot, including a break.**
**Suggested starting point: Mohammed V Square.**
**Tickets: none are required to see the buildings from the outside.**
This route is based on and adapted from the “Centre-ville” circuit proposed by [Visit Casablanca](https://visitcasablanca.ma/en/circuits/centre-ville/).
The suggested times are estimates. They depend on your pace, photo stops, shops and pedestrian traffic.
The goal is definitely not to rush from one building to another.
**Take time to look at the facades.**
That is where much of the interest lies.
---
# Stop 1 — Mohammed V Square
**Allow around 30–40 minutes**
[Mohammed V Square](/sites/place-mohammed-v-casablanca) is probably the best place to begin.
It immediately gives you an idea of the architectural ambition of early 20th-century Casablanca.
Several major institutional buildings surround the square:
- the Wilaya;
- the Palace of Justice;
- the Central Post Office;
- Bank Al-Maghrib.
The dominant style here is more **neo-Moorish**, combined with Art Deco elements and references directly inspired by Moroccan architecture.
Pay particular attention to:
- green tiles;
- zellige;
- colonnades;
- arches;
- towers;
- clocks;
- geometric compositions.
The square deserves to be explored slowly.
Don't just take a few photos and leave.
Spend a few minutes looking at the buildings one after another.
You'll notice that the architects use the same Moroccan references in very different ways.
### Can you enter the buildings?
This is where it is important to distinguish between **architecture to admire** and **a monument open to visitors**.
The Palace of Justice, Wilaya and Bank Al-Maghrib are administrative buildings.
You should therefore not plan a standard tourist interior visit.
The Central Post Office, designed by **Adrien Laforgue** and built between 1918 and 1920, can be admired from the square, but should not be considered a monument with a regular organized tourist interior tour.
**For this stop, the exterior is the main experience.**
---
# Stop 2 — United Nations Square and Café de France
**Allow around 30 minutes**
From Mohammed V Square, continue toward **United Nations Square**.
The atmosphere changes immediately.
Traffic becomes more noticeable, shops become more numerous and the area feels more connected to everyday city life.
It is also a good opportunity to take your first real break.
**Café de France**, mentioned in Visit Casablanca's official circuit, is one possible place to stop.
You can sit down for a coffee, tea or simply watch the life of the city center.
If you prefer another establishment, several cafés and tea rooms can be found in the area.
The idea is not to turn the tour into a timed itinerary.
**A fifteen- or twenty-minute break can actually help you see the city differently when you start walking again.**
---
# Stop 3 — Excelsior Hotel and Zevaco Dome
**Allow around 20–30 minutes**
Continue toward the **Excelsior Hotel** and the dome associated with architect **Zevaco**.
These two elements help illustrate something essential about Casablanca's architecture:
**the city's architectural story does not stop with the Art Deco of the 1920s and 1930s.**
The Zevaco dome belongs more to modern architecture and reflects the evolution of architectural forms over the following decades.
It is therefore an interesting stop even if you came specifically for Art Deco.
It helps place the movement within a much broader architectural history.
---
# Stop 4 — Rialto Cinema
**Allow around 15–20 minutes**
The **Rialto Cinema** is one of Casablanca's most iconic Art Deco buildings.
Built in **1929** by architect **Pierre Jabin**, it is an excellent example of entertainment architecture from the period.
The facade deserves particular attention.
But don't look only at the exterior.
The Rialto also reminds us that these buildings were not designed simply as decorative objects.
They were intended to host a real cultural life: cinema, performances, social gatherings and entertainment.
[Visit Casablanca](https://visitcasablanca.ma/en/pois/cinema-rialto/) still presents it as a cinema open to the public.
If you want to go inside, however, check the program before your visit.
Depending on the schedule, you may be able to see the interior.
Otherwise, the facade remains an essential stop on the route.
---
# Stop 5 — Central Market
**Allow around 30–40 minutes**
After the facades and institutional buildings, the **Central Market** adds another dimension to the walk.
Here, architecture gives more space to commerce and everyday life.
It is also a good place to stop for lunch.
Fish, seafood and fresh produce are part of the market's identity.
If you want to use your visit as an opportunity to discover local cuisine, read our guide on [what to eat in Casablanca](/guides-inspirations/gastronomie-casablanca).
But the Central Market is also worth experiencing simply as a living place.
Look at the stalls, vendors, customers and constant movement.
**A city's heritage is not limited to its buildings: it also includes the places where the city continues to live.**
---
# Extension — Arab League Park and the Former Sacred Heart Cathedral
**Allow an additional 45–60 minutes**
If you still have time, you can extend your walk toward **Arab League Park**.
This is where you'll find the former [Sacred Heart Church](/sites/eglise-sacre-coeur-casablanca).
Built from 1930 according to plans by **Paul Tournon**, it features particularly interesting architecture combining **Art Deco and Gothic influences**.
The building also tells part of Casablanca's architectural history.
Deconsecrated after 1956, the former cathedral reopened in 2023 as a cultural space.
According to its [official visitor page](https://www.sacre-coeur.ma/fr/visiter/individuels), the space is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with the last visit at 6:15 p.m.
Booking is recommended but not mandatory for individual visitors.
The advertised admission prices are:
- 50 MAD for adults;
- 25 MAD for visitors under 25 and children aged 6 to 12;
- 120 MAD for the family package;
- free for residents of Morocco and people with reduced mobility.
This information may change.
**Always check opening hours, prices and access conditions before your visit.**
During certain events, access to the building may also be restricted.
For this extension, a taxi or tram may be more convenient than walking all the way from the city center.
---
# Two Museums to Extend Your Discovery
If you want to give your walk a stronger cultural dimension, two addresses can complement your visit.
The [Villa des Arts](/sites/villa-des-arts-casablanca) hosts art exhibitions in an interesting architectural setting.
The [Abderrahman Slaoui Museum](/sites/musee-abderrahman-slaoui-casablanca) is another worthwhile option for continuing your exploration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
Opening hours, prices and exhibitions may change.
**Check directly with the institutions before traveling there.**
---
# Which Buildings Can You Visit?
One of the most common mistakes when planning an Art Deco tour of Casablanca is assuming that all historic buildings are open to visitors.
They are not.
| Building | What you can see | Exterior | Interior |
|---|---|---:|---:|
| Wilaya, Palace of Justice, Bank Al-Maghrib | Neo-Moorish and Art Deco facades, green tiles, zellige | Yes | Administrative access not guaranteed |
| Central Post Office | Facade and interior elements | Yes | No organized tourist tour |
| Rialto Cinema | 1929 Art Deco architecture | Yes | Depending on the program |
| Former Sacred Heart Cathedral | Art Deco and Gothic architecture | Yes | Paid visit, conditions to check |
| Villa des Arts, Slaoui Museum | Cultural venues | Yes | Opening hours and prices to check |
This distinction may seem like a minor detail.
It isn't.
It prevents you from building an itinerary around an interior visit that may not be possible.
**In Casablanca, the street itself is part of the experience.**
---
# How to Take Better Art Deco Photos in Casablanca
You don't need a professional camera.
The best technique is often simply to slow down.
### 1. Look up
The most interesting details may be several meters above you:
- balconies;
- friezes;
- cornices;
- windows;
- clocks;
- geometric patterns.
### 2. Look for reliefs
The low light of early morning or late afternoon emphasizes the relief and details of the facades.
### 3. Alternate wide shots and details
Start by photographing a building within its surroundings.
Then move closer.
A piece of zellige, a wrought-iron detail or a door handle can tell as much of a story as an entire facade.
### 4. Take your time around Mohammed V Square
The square provides enough distance for wider architectural photographs.
### 5. Be discreet
Near administrative or sensitive buildings, respect posted instructions and avoid behavior that could be considered intrusive.
### 6. Avoid the busiest periods
Central Casablanca's sidewalks can become very busy.
For photography, a quieter walk is generally much more enjoyable.
---
# Where to Take a Break During the Tour?
The route works precisely because you can interrupt it.
You can stop around **United Nations Square**, particularly at Café de France or one of the other cafés in the city center.
The **Central Market** is a better option if you want lunch.
Don't necessarily try to optimize every minute.
An architectural walk becomes much more enjoyable when you take the time to sit down for a few minutes and watch the city.
**Casablanca is not a city that should be experienced only by checking boxes on a list.**
---
# What Is the Best Time to Do the Tour?
**Morning** and **late afternoon** are generally the most pleasant times for walking and photographing the facades.
Morning offers a quieter atmosphere.
Late afternoon provides interesting light for photography.
If you also plan to visit the **Hassan II Mosque**, organize your day around its visiting schedule, as guided visits take place at specific times.
You can then place the Art Deco tour before or after it.
See our guide to [visiting the Hassan II Mosque](/guides-inspirations/visite-mosquee-hassan-ii-casablanca).
---
# Should You Visit Casablanca's Art Deco with a Guide?
This is probably one of the most interesting questions to ask yourself.
Without a guide, you can have a very enjoyable walk.
You'll see beautiful facades.
But with a good guide, you begin to understand **why they are there**.
Why some buildings use zellige.
Why others have highly geometric shapes.
Why one building looks European while the next incorporates Moroccan elements.
Why Casablanca became an architectural laboratory during the 20th century.
In other words:
**Without a guide, you see the architecture; with a guide, you start reading the city.**
### Casamémoire
[Casamémoire](https://www.casamemoire.org) organizes heritage tours and events, including the Heritage Days, with several days of free guided visits each year, as well as other events such as the Heritage Nights.
Dates change from year to year.
Check the association's website before your trip.
### Guided Casablanca Tour
Some general Casablanca tours also include the city center and its architecture.
The [Casablanca Half-day guided tour](/activites/casablanca-half-day-guided-tour-casablanca) listed on MoroccoMuseum includes a discovery of the city's architecture, including Art Deco, as well as Hassan II Mosque, Habous and the Old Medina.
However, this is **not a tour dedicated exclusively to Art Deco**.
Check the exact itinerary and conditions with the provider before booking.
You can also browse the [visits and experiences in Casablanca](/activites) available on MoroccoMuseum.
---
# How to Combine Art Deco with the Rest of Casablanca
One of the great advantages of the Art Deco route is how easily it can be combined with other sides of Casablanca.
## Art Deco + Hassan II Mosque + Old Medina
This is probably one of the best combinations for a first visit to Casablanca.
You can spend part of the day visiting the Hassan II Mosque, then explore the city center and finish in the Old Medina.
See our itinerary [Casablanca in 1 Day](/guides-inspirations/casablanca-1-jour).
---
## Art Deco + Habous District
The contrast is particularly interesting.
Habous was developed between 1918 and 1955 and features architecture more strongly inspired by traditional Moroccan forms.
After discovering the geometric lines and buildings of the city center, you can experience another way of combining modern urban planning with Moroccan architectural references.
See our [guide to the Habous district](/guides-inspirations/quartier-habous-casablanca).
---
## Casablanca Art Deco in Two Days
If you have two days, there is no need to rush.
You can dedicate an entire morning to the city center and take your time visiting some of the cultural sites.
The rest of your stay can be devoted to the Hassan II Mosque, Habous, the Old Medina, the Corniche or other districts.
See [Casablanca in 2 Days](/guides-inspirations/casablanca-2-jours).
---
## Art Deco During a Casablanca Layover
If you only have a few hours, the city center can be an interesting option because it allows you to see a lot without crossing the entire city.
To organize your time, see our guide to [Mohammed V Airport and layovers in Casablanca](/guides-inspirations/aeroport-mohammed-v-casablanca).
---
# Why This Tour Is Really Worth It
Art Deco is not necessarily the first thing people associate with Casablanca.
And yet, after a few hours in the city center, your perception of the city may change.
At first, you see facades.
Then you notice the details.
Then you understand the influences.
And eventually, you begin to see Casablanca as a city shaped by several periods and architectural cultures.
That is what makes this tour interesting.
It isn't simply about photographing a few beautiful buildings.
It is about understanding how a Moroccan city transformed during the 20th century and how its architects tried to bring together **modernity, European architecture and Moroccan identity**.
To place this route within the wider city, see our [complete guide to visiting Casablanca](/guides-inspirations/casablanca-guide-complet).
---
# FAQ — Casablanca Art Deco
## Why is Casablanca famous for Art Deco architecture?
Casablanca grew extremely rapidly during the 20th century. Its modern center was profoundly transformed from the 1910s onward, and especially during the 1920s and 1930s.
Architects combined Art Deco, modernism, European styles and Moroccan references.
This combination gives the city center its distinctive identity.
---
## Where can you see Art Deco in Casablanca?
The main areas of the route are located in the city center:
- Mohammed V Square;
- United Nations Square;
- Mohammed V Boulevard;
- Rialto Cinema;
- Central Market.
But the most interesting approach is not to look only for “Art Deco buildings.”
Also observe the neo-Moorish and modern buildings surrounding them.
---
## How long does the Art Deco tour take?
Generally allow **2 to 3 hours on foot**, including a break.
You can do it faster, but you may miss many of the details.
If you add Arab League Park and the former Sacred Heart Cathedral, allow approximately **45 to 60 additional minutes**, not including transportation.
---
## Can you visit the interiors of Art Deco buildings?
Not always.
Some buildings are administrative.
Others are still used as cultural or commercial venues.
The Rialto Cinema may be accessible depending on its program.
The former Sacred Heart Cathedral can be visited under certain conditions.
**Always check access conditions before your visit.**
---
## Is there a guided tour dedicated to Art Deco?
Casamémoire organizes tours and events dedicated to Casablanca's architectural heritage.
General Casablanca tours may also include the city center and Art Deco.
Check available programs before your trip.
---
## Is Casablanca a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
No.
Casablanca has been on UNESCO's **Tentative List** since 2013 under the title “Casablanca, city of the 20th century, crossroads of influences.”
This does not mean that it is currently inscribed on the World Heritage List.
---
## What is the best time to photograph the facades?
Early morning and late afternoon are particularly interesting.
The lower angle of the light helps bring out reliefs, balconies and architectural details.
---
## Can you combine the Art Deco tour with the Hassan II Mosque on the same day?
Yes.
It is actually an excellent combination for a first visit to Casablanca.
The important thing is to check the visiting schedule for the Hassan II Mosque first, then organize the rest of your day around that time.
See our itinerary [Casablanca in 1 Day](/guides-inspirations/casablanca-1-jour).
---
# Discover Casablanca Beyond Art Deco
Art Deco is an excellent gateway to understanding Casablanca.
But it represents only one part of the city.
To really experience Casablanca, try moving from one atmosphere to another:
**a medina, an Art Deco facade, a monumental mosque, the arcades of Habous, then the ocean.**
That diversity is what gives the city its character.
To continue exploring, browse the [visits and experiences available in Casablanca](/activites) on MoroccoMuseum.
And if you have more time, also discover our [excursions from Casablanca](/guides-inspirations/excursions-depuis-casablanca).
---
# Discover Casablanca by Looking Up
There is a small habit worth developing when walking through central Casablanca:
**look up.**
At street level, you'll see cafés, cars, shops and everyday life.
But a few meters above you, another city appears.
A balcony.
A frieze.
A dome.
An inscription.
A piece of wrought iron.
A Moroccan pattern.
A facade that looks European until you notice the zellige or green tiles.
Perhaps that is ultimately the best way to discover Art Deco Casablanca.
Not by rushing from one monument to the next.
But by walking slowly, observing the details and trying to understand **how all these influences eventually came together to create a single city**.
*Interior access, opening hours, prices and event programs may change. Check the information with the relevant institutions or organizers before your visit.*
*Photo credits: [Excelsior Hotel, United Nations Square](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hotel_Excelsior,_Casablanca.jpg), Reda benkhadra, and historic photograph of the Excelsior Hotel under construction (1916), Normant, Médiathèque de l'architecture et du patrimoine, licensed under [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), via Wikimedia Commons; images resized.*
History & Heritage
Art Deco Casablanca: architecture, history and walking route
Buildings to see, a walking itinerary, timing and photo tips to discover Casablanca's Art Deco architecture.
The MoroccoMuseum TeamOctober 2, 20261 min read
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