** The memory of a city: the Museum of memory of Casablanca as revealing urban and social changes **
On February 27, a new cornerstone of the culture and history of Casablanca was born: the Museum of the memory of Casablanca. Located in the majestic Villa Carl Ficke, built in 1913, this museum is devoted to exploring the city’s urban and social transformations from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day. Through a rich collection of archives, ancient photographs, maps and works of art, the museum offers an immersion in the soul of this Moroccan metropolis.
### Transformations of urban identity
The birth of this museum raises crucial questions about urban identity in a constantly evolving world. Casablanca, often described as a cultural crossroads, was the scene of significant upheavals, both architectural and socially. Villa Carl Ficke itself, which is an emblematic example of neoclassical architecture, represents the intercultural exchanges that marked this period in the era of the French protectorate. Like the many contemporary buildings, this building testifies to multicultural influences and tangled social dynamics that have shaped the city.
Statistics reveal that today, nearly 60 % of the inhabitants of Casablanca live in informal urban areas, which testifies to the challenges linked to rapid urbanization. By exhibiting these dichotomies, the memory museum hopes to stimulate a dialogue on the way in which these transitions affect local identities and the daily life of Casablancais.
### Renovation as a metaphor for renewal
The first deputy director of the museum, Hajar El-Bakkari, stressed that the restoration of Villa Carl Ficke, a project completed between 2016 and 2022, was designed with respect for original details, combining preservation with a contemporary vision. This approach is indicative of the efforts made to maintain a balance between modernity and respect for history. This process is comparable to that of other cities, such as Barcelona, which fights to preserve its rich architectural heritage while meeting the requirements of an increasing population.
In 2022, a study revealed that 75 % of museum visitors around the world say that these experiences encouraged them to take more care of their cultural heritage. The Casablanca Museum of Memory can therefore be positioned not only as a place of learning but also as a catalyst, calling for residents to reflect on the fate of their immediate environment and the implications of accelerated urbanization.
### A window on the future
More than a simple place of exhibition, the museum of memory aims to be a space for research and cultural exchange. The founders hope that this institution will become a meeting point for students, researchers and residents, thus promoting intergenerational and intercultural understanding. With booming cultural tourism, the museum can play a key role by attracting visitors wishing to explore the roots of a city that is transformed at high speed.
In addition, in an era when globalization tends to standardize cultures, the museum is intended to be a celebration of local specificities. It makes it possible to take a critical look at the effects of globalization, in particular on the way in which traditions and identities are preserved or redefined.
### Conclusion
The Casablanca memory museum is not content to be an exhibition center: it is an invitation to dive into the living history of the city. As a mirror of urban and social developments, it offers a deep vision of the challenges and wealth of life in Casablanca. At a time when history is often overlooked in favor of modernity, this space becomes essential to strengthen the link between past and future.
The passion felt by visitors, such as that expressed by Fadila Tazi, is not just a reaction to a place, but a reflection of a collective quest for identity and memory. While the Casablancais continue to navigate through the upheavals of their urban environment, the museum presents itself as a lighthouse, each guiding towards a deeper understanding of who they are and where they come from. In this light, the Museum of memory of Casablanca asserts itself as a gesture of hope, at the crossroads between history, culture and modernity.