Postponed many times, first due to COVID in 2021, then in 2022, as well as in the last two years, the opening of the ambitious Agadir Reconstruction Museum has just taken place, this February 28, 2025, on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the earthquake that destroyed the capital of Souss. Finally open! The mayor of Agadir, Aziz Akhannouch, also head of the Moroccan government, presided over the inauguration (our photo) of this centerpiece of the Urban Development Program. After such a long wait, the first visitors expressed their enthusiasm at the end of the sensory, visual and digital experience desired by the creators : the Parisian studio Adeline Rispal, behind the scenography, the Bouillon de culture firm in charge of cultural engineering, as well as the architect Rachid Andaloussi.
The tour starts off strong : a 360° video projected shows video clips, photos and sounds (our photo). A slightly sloping false floor produces vibrations to create a sensory immersion that plunges the visitor into the 12 seconds that the 1960 earthquake lasted. We feel the destructive power of the tremor and grasp its impact. Sensitive or too young people have the choice of avoiding this moment.
In the central space, a promenade invites a "rational and detached" reading of the events, via simple, historical and scientific explanations, in order to grasp the scale of the tragedy.
Interactive terminals also allow you to consult expert reports and manipulate seismograms on screen, to have a virtual experience of creating an earthquake.
In the centre, the ground is littered with chaotically stacked slabs, held by metal cables (our photo). These slabs show still and moving images of the rubble, as well as reports of the aftermath of the disaster.
A panoramic elevator provides access to the upper floor. While the atmosphere is dark and tragic on the ground floor, it becomes brighter.
The plaques that rise from the ground floor reach towards the light and become lighter as they rise. They show the various urban planning projects on the gallery (our photod) and guide them to the exhibition rooms.
The first highlights the collective energy of reconstruction. The great designers and builders are presented. A mediation table and a children's workshop offer an additional experience.
Along the corridor, a panoramic film is broadcast on an LED screen located outside, behind the pediment of the façade (our photo), and opens onto a panoramic video of Agadir, slightly visible to passers-by in the street, to attract them towards the museum.
Visitors also discover 12 flagship projects of the urban and architectural reconstruction of the city (our photo). Among these : the fire station and its high tower recognizable from afar and the Dome intended to house a wholesale market, which was never used for this purpose, but which is currently being revived. A table integrates 3D models connected to interactive terminals integrating a 3D model. Two of these terminals are located lower down to be accessible to children.
Location of the museum: former building of the Al-Maghrib Bank (photo), located on General Kattani Avenue.
Opening hours and entry conditions have not yet been communicated by the Museum officials.
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