Rabat: The Paloma Sculpture Takes Up Residence at the Mohammed VI Museum
The Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMVI) has unveiled a new monumental sculpture on its forecourt, titled “Paloma,” as of Wednesday, January 7, 2026. This granite artwork enriches the public space of the museum and embodies the National Foundation of Museums’ (FNM) commitment to integrating art into the heart of urban landscapes.
A CREATION BY BEN & YANNICK JAKOBER
Created in 2006 in Mallorca by artists Ben and Yannick Jakober, “Paloma” harmoniously complements the existing artistic journey on the MMVI esplanade. It engages in dialogue with iconic pieces such as Ousmane Sow’s “Massaï Warrior,” Fernando Botero’s horse, and works by Arman, Ikram Kabbaj, Farid Belkahia, and Niki de Saint Phalle.
THE MMVI FOREFRONT: AN OPEN-AIR MUSEUM
This sculptural ensemble transforms the forecourt of the Mohammed VI Museum into a genuine open-air museum, freely accessible to passersby in the heart of Rabat. This space encourages encounters between contemporary art, the city, and its inhabitants, while enhancing the cultural appeal of the capital.
A UNIVERSAL MESSAGE OF PEACE AND COEXISTENCE
Meaning “dove,” “Paloma” conveys a universal message of peace, balance, and coexistence. Its installation holds particular symbolic significance in a year when Morocco hosts the Africa Cup of Nations, highlighting the shared role of art and sport in bridging communities and fostering intercultural dialogue.
A GIFT FOR CULTURE
The sculpture was donated to the museum by the Morocco, Art, and Culture Association, which is dedicated to promoting the arts and heritage. This gift is part of a sustainable partnership with the National Foundation of Museums, which appreciates the renewed trust of its donors and patrons—support that is essential for making art accessible to a wider audience.
