IMA exhibits Moroccan wedding treasures

The IMA opens its doors to the treasures of Moroccan marriage

The exhibition “Vive la mariée !” opened its doors on 29 September at the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris. It presents around forty costumes and adornments from Morocco, pieces that have never before been shown in France. Among them is a 19th‑ and 20th‑century ensemble that includes a headdress called the touqida, worn on the sixth day of the wedding, the youm el‑hzam. A photograph by Jean Besançenot, taken between 1934 and 1939, also shows a bride from Béni Mellal in her traditional Middle Atlas attire.

The exhibition does not stop at objects. It highlights the work of the women who prepare the trousseau, embroider the fabrics and dress the future bride, those who labour behind the scenes. Twenty‑seven contemporary artists from the Maghreb and its diasporas, mainly women, have been invited to offer their perspective on marriage. Among them, the Moroccans Ymane Fakhir, Sara Ouhaddou and Ghizlane Sahli juxtapose their creations with the historic costumes.

Their works question the transmission of traditions and the expectations placed on future spouses. Music, dance, meals and rituals find their place in this journey, which shows how certain customs persist or evolve, particularly within families settled in France. The exhibition is accompanied by a programme of events from 8 to 11 October, featuring Fouad Laroui on 10 October discussing “30 jours pour trouver un mari”.

“Vive la mariée !” runs until 28 February 2027. Tickets cost €12 at full price, €10 at the reduced rate and €6 for those aged 12‑26. Entry is free for children under 12.

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