The small museum in Béni Isguen is housed in the headquarters of the Tourism and Development Office, in the former town hall from the French period. It offers an insight into Mozabite material culture through the domestic setting, complementing a visit to the ksar.
A Mozabite house in miniature
The architecture of the premises represents the ground floor of a Mozabite house. The Office describes carpets in varied patterns and colours, shawls, old ironwork objects and kitchen utensils. Measuring instruments also recall practices of exchange and everyday use.
A small bridal room from the 1950s completes the collection. The museum’s interest lies not in lining up spectacular objects, but in explaining the relationship between domestic space, textiles and family life. This approach reveals aspects of the ksar that cannot be discovered simply by walking through its streets.
Combining the museum with a visit to the ksar
The guides’ office is on the right after passing through Béni Isguen’s eastern gate. The Office organises visits exploring the lanes, defensive architecture and auction market. The museum can complement this route, but is separate from the Boulila Tower, the palm grove and the private libraries, which are other stops with their own visiting conditions.
The Office’s guidelines ask visitors not to photograph passers-by, not to smoke and to avoid short or tight-fitting clothing. Visits to the ksar are suspended during religious festivals. It is therefore advisable to make contact before travelling, particularly for a group or if you wish to combine the museum with other places. The contact details below are those of the Office that houses the small museum.
Address and contact details
- City or locality
- Beni Isguen
- Published address
- Office du tourisme et développement Beni-Isguen Bab cherguie, Beni-Isguen, Ghardaïa. 47005.
- Telephone
- +213 29 89 28 60
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Institution’s website
- Visit the website
These contact details belong to the Beni Isguen Tourist Office, which houses the small museum. They allow you to contact the host organisation, without guaranteeing a dedicated museum reception line.
Plan your visit
Ask for confirmation of the visitor reception location, opening hours, admission charges and accessible areas before travelling. For a group visit, research enquiry or specific need, check with your contact which department can help with your request.