Oiseaux du Mexique: A Groundbreaking Art Exhibition at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech

Discover the cultural and artistic connections between Mexico and Morocco in “Oiseaux du Mexique,” an unprecedented exhibition celebrating birds in Mexican art at the iconic Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech, from February 22 to July 27, 2025.

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech (mYSLm) unveils its most anticipated exhibition of 2025: “Oiseaux du Mexique” (Birds of Mexico). This exceptional event showcases more than 90 rare artworks and artifacts, offering a unique perspective on Mexican culture, art, and history through the symbolic lens of birds.

A Rare Cultural Dialogue Between Morocco and Mexico

Following the success of the 2023 “Serpent” exhibition, dedicated to Australian Aboriginal art, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum returns with an innovative cultural dialogue between Mexico and Morocco. “Oiseaux du Mexique” is the first exhibition of its kind in North Africa, spotlighting the rich avian symbolism found in Mexican visual arts, crafts, and indigenous traditions.

Curated by Mexican art historian Juan Gerardo Ugalde Salinas, the exhibition reflects a deep collaboration between Moroccan and Mexican institutions, including scientific contributions from Ana Elena Mallet, curator of MoMA New York’s “Crafting Modernity: Design in Latin America, 1940–1980.”

Birds as Cultural Icons in Mexican Art and Craftsmanship

From the majestic eagle to the vibrant canary, birds have long held spiritual and symbolic significance in Mexican folklore, crafts, and mythology. Through paintings, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and sculptures, “Oiseaux du Mexique” showcases how birds have influenced generations of Mexican artisans—from pre-Columbian civilizations to modernist artists.

The exhibition highlights rare techniques in Taxco silversmithing, Tlaquepaque pottery, and indigenous featherwork, celebrating Mexico’s craftsmanship and artistic heritage. These artistic expressions find a profound echo in Moroccan artisanal traditions, reinforcing the exhibition’s cross-cultural resonance.

Prestigious Mexican Institutions Join Forces

For the first time, an extraordinary number of works from Mexico’s leading cultural institutions will be presented in Morocco, including:

The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH)
The National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (INBAL)
The National Institute of Indigenous Peoples (INPI)

These prestigious loans bring to life the diversity of Mexican indigenous art, contemporary design, and natural history, offering visitors a deep understanding of the country’s visual identity.

More Than an Exhibition: A Celebration of Nature and Culture

“Oiseaux du Mexique” invites reflection on the intricate relationships between nature, symbolism, and human creativity. By exploring the universal symbolism of birds, the exhibition reveals how societies across time have used nature as a mirror of cultural identity.

The exhibition is aligned with the museum’s mission and the Jardin Majorelle Foundation, fostering global connections through the arts. It also contributes to Marrakech’s growing status as a hub for international cultural tourism.

A Rich Cultural Program in Marrakech and Tangier

To enrich the visitor experience, the museum will host a dynamic cultural program featuring:

Conferences and lectures on Mexican art and anthropology
Live concerts and artist talks
A film series of ten iconic Mexican movies, screened from March 1 to July 26, 2025, at the Pierre Bergé Auditorium in Marrakech and the Cinémathèque de Tanger

All screenings and events are free to the public, supported by the Fondation Jardin Majorelle.

Plan Your Visit

Exhibition: Oiseaux du Mexique – Birds in Mexican Art
Location: Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech, near Jardin Majorelle
Dates: February 22 – July 27, 2025
Website: www.jardinmajorelle.com