Morocco’s museums are stepping into the digital age with a bold new initiative aimed at bridging culture and gaming. A landmark agreement signed in Rabat brings together the National Foundation of Museums (FNM), the Royal Moroccan Federation of Electronic Games (FRMJE), and the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Regional Gaming League. This partnership aims to introduce video games into museum spaces, transforming the traditional visitor experience and attracting a younger, more digitally engaged audience.
The initiative marks a significant shift in how Moroccan cultural institutions engage with the public. By integrating video games into exhibitions, the FNM and its partners hope to create interactive experiences that not only modernize museum visits but also deepen young people’s connection to their cultural heritage. The goal is to use technology as a cultural bridge—making history and art more relatable through gamified storytelling and immersive design.
The regional league will play a hands-on role, developing custom gaming setups tailored to each museum. This includes everything from furniture and gaming consoles to the creation of bespoke, immersive games designed around the unique characteristics of each institution. A strong emphasis will be placed on visual integration to ensure that digital installations complement the existing exhibition environments.
For Mehdi Qotbi, president of the FNM, the move is about making museums part of young people’s daily lives. “We want to spark their curiosity and help them discover a heritage they can truly make their own,” he said, noting that museums are already seeing a rise in student attendance. The digital initiative, he added, is a natural evolution of that trend.
Hicham El Khlifi, president of the FRMJE, emphasized the project’s alignment with the broader national strategy for youth development, championed by King Mohammed VI. He highlighted the potential of e-sports and video games—fields that blend design, graphics, and technology—to reshape how young Moroccans interact with cultural institutions.
This partnership signals a new chapter for Moroccan museums—one that merges heritage with innovation. By embracing gaming culture, museums are not only expanding their appeal but also redefining what it means to engage with history and art in the 21st century. It’s a strategic move to democratize access to culture and make museums more relevant in an increasingly digital world.
