Rabat, October 29, 2024 – In a grand ceremony underscoring Morocco’s commitment to arts and culture, Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, alongside France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, inaugurated the highly anticipated Royal Theater of Rabat. The theater, part of King Mohammed VI’s transformative vision for the capital city, strengthens Rabat’s identity as Morocco’s cultural heart.
Unveiling a commemorative plaque, Princess Lalla Hasnaa and Brigitte Macron embarked on a tour of the theater, admiring its architectural elegance and advanced features. The Royal Theater of Rabat, a structure exemplifying Morocco’s dedication to artistic excellence, is a new cultural jewel with its strategic location, innovative design, and technical sophistication. Conceived as part of King Mohammed VI’s broader development strategy for Rabat, the project aims to bolster Morocco’s cultural infrastructure while positioning Rabat as a key international destination for the arts.
A Contemporary Icon in the Heart of Rabat
Located in the scenic Bouregreg Valley near the iconic Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Royal Theater of Rabat symbolizes the rebirth of Morocco’s arts scene. Its modern architectural design, blending seamlessly with Rabat’s natural landscape, is the vision of renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Spanning over 7.1 hectares, including 25,400 square meters of built space, the theater integrates seamlessly into the valley’s surroundings.
The Royal Theater is an architectural and cultural statement, featuring a range of interconnected spaces designed to create an interactive environment. Visitors enjoy smooth mobility throughout the space, thanks to grand staircases, corridors, elevators, and accessibility features tailored for persons with reduced mobility.
The Royal Theater includes a primary auditorium that can seat over 1,800 spectators, specially designed with a unique geometric faceting on the walls and ceiling that provides a dynamic and immersive atmosphere. This state-of-the-art venue supports a wide variety of artistic performances, from theater and ballet to operas, musicals, and orchestral concerts. Its acoustics, considered among the best in the world, offer an unparalleled listening experience with precision-engineered sound insulation, allowing audiences to immerse themselves fully in the performances.
A second, smaller performance hall with a 250-seat capacity caters to experimental and emerging art forms, creating a springboard for Morocco’s vibrant new art scene. Meanwhile, an outdoor amphitheater with a capacity for 7,000 spectators provides a versatile space for festivals and large events, enhancing the theater’s role as a cultural beacon for Rabat and beyond.
A Visionary Cultural Hub for Morocco
Beyond its architectural splendor, the Royal Theater promises an immersive cultural experience through a rich program of national and international events that will enrich Rabat’s cultural offerings. This ambitious project elevates Rabat to the status of a premier international cultural destination, made possible by the vision of King Mohammed VI.
Upon her arrival, Brigitte Macron was welcomed by Princess Lalla Hasnaa and reviewed an honorary detachment of Auxiliary Forces. The two were joined by several dignitaries, including Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget Fouzi Lekjaa, the Wali of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region Mohamed Yacoubi, and other prominent officials. This landmark occasion symbolizes Morocco’s enduring commitment to fostering cultural growth and artistic excellence.
