Casablanca Art Deco Guided Tour of 1930s Architectural Buildings

Itinerary

1. Starting Point – The natural gateway into Casablanca's Art Deco heart. This square features the Kora Ardia dome, designed by Jean-François Zevaco, and is surrounded by Modernist and Moorish Revival landmarks, including the legendary Hotel Excelsior. Start here to give travelers a 360° panoramic introduction before exploring the surrounding streets. (10 min)
2. Designed by Pierre Bousquet, the Central Market sits at the heart of the old town on Boulevard Mohammed V. Its arcades and covered walkways, built between 1918 and 1919, make it a lively stop where architecture and daily life meet. (10 min)
3. One of Morocco's oldest cinemas, Rialto was designed by Pierre Jabin and hosted international premieres as well as performances by stars like Édith Piaf and Josephine Baker. Step inside to see the original balconies and retro atmosphere still intact. (10 min)
4. Immeuble La Princière: Built in 1931 by the French architect Joseph Marrast, Immeuble La Princière is one of Casablanca’s iconic Art Deco residential buildings. Located in the city’s former European quarter, it exemplifies the blend of modernist design with Moroccan architectural motifs that defined the interwar period. The building features symmetrical façades, decorative balconies, and stylized geometric details, reflecting the optimism and elegance of Casablanca’s urban expansion during the 1920s and 1930s (10 min)
5. Immeuble Glaoui : Built for the Pasha of Marrakech, this is one of the most monumental buildings on the boulevard. It features marble columns, cement mashrabiya, and a covered commercial passage with glass rotundas. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry stayed here while flying mail routes across North Africa, giving the building a fascinating link to the early days of aviation and the life of one of France’s most beloved writers (10 min)
6. Immeuble de la Compagnie Transatlantique: A gem of 1930s Art Deco! Once home to the French Transatlantic Shipping Company, its sleek lines and elegant details make it a standout stop for architecture lovers. (10 min)
7. Taking a break on Boulevard Mohammed V is a simple pleasure. You can sit for a while, relax, and watch the city move at its own pace. It’s a quiet pause from walking or sightseeing, giving you a moment to rest and feel part of the city. (20 min)
8. 5 min walk from Boulevard Mohammed V (1918–1920) The work of architect Adrien Laforgue, built in Moorish Revival style with Modernist influences. Its impressive blue entrance contrasts with a magnificent wooden interior ceiling and has been one of the city's most admired buildings for over a century. (10 min)
9. At the center of this architectural showcase is a large square, surrounded by the Main Post Office, the Palais de Justice (1925), and the towering Wilaya (1927–1930). Look up — although many Art Deco and Mauresque buildings now have shops or offices on the ground floor, the upper floors are still impressive. (10 min)
10. Atlas hotel (1922–1923) Built by Marius Boyer, this was once the grandest hotel in the city, a symbol of Casablanca’s ambition during the Protectorate era. Its restrained elegance and scale reflect the story of a city being built for the future. (10 min)
11. 1950s The understated one. Clean geometric lines, rational volumes, no excess. Attributed to Italian architect Giovanni Pappalardo, it is a strong example of European rationalist modernism adapted to Casablanca’s urban context. A counterpoint to the ornate buildings, it’s also a great conversation starter about how Art Deco evolved over time. (10 min)
12. One of Casablanca’s most striking examples of Art Deco. Built in the 1930s, its elegant façade, geometric motifs, and refined interiors reflect the city’s artistic and cultural ambitions during the Protectorate era. Today, it serves as a cultural center, hosting exhibitions and events that celebrate both local and international art. (10 min)
13. Now a cultural center, this 1930 landmark by Paul Tournon stands out for its tall concrete arches, geometric stained glass, and clean façade, blending Gothic height with Art Deco style and subtle Mauresque details. (30 min)
14. Built between the 1920s and 1930s by French protectorate authorities, this is one of Casablanca's most picturesque neighborhoods — European urban planning applied to traditional Moroccan architecture, with monuments like the Royal Palace and the Mahkamat al-Pasha. (30 min)