Dar Si Said Museum

Before there was the Musée de Marrakech, there was Dar Si Said — the original museum of Moroccan decorative arts, housed in another vizier's palace. Si Said was the brother of Ba Ahmed (who built the Bahia); the rivalry extended to architecture. The collection focuses on woodwork — carved cedar doors, painted ceilings, Quranic tablets — but the building itself is the main exhibit. Riad architecture at its finest: courtyards leading to courtyards, fountains and orange trees, rooms opening unexpectedly onto gardens. The upper floors hold Berber jewelry, carpets, and weapons. A ceremonial wooden palanquin — used to carry brides to their weddings — dominates one room. The museum is quieter than others in the medina; you may have rooms to yourself. Best time: Midday (when other sites are crowded) Allow: 1 hour Combine with: Bahia Palace (3-minute walk)