His Marrakesh palace was later seized by the family of Pasha Thami El Glaoui, the autocratic ruler of southern Morocco under French rule, while Mnebhi was out of the country and serving as ambassador in London.

[3] The palace consists of a large central courtyard, which was originally an open riad garden planted with trees,[3] but today is fully paved and roofed over.

The courtyard today also contains a huge, central chandelier made up of brass pieces cut into ornate geometric and arabesque motifs.

It was also equipped with multiple facilities typical of large palaces, such as kitchens and a hammam (bathhouse) – the latter being distinguished by its characteristic domed and vaulted chambers.

The museum also holds exhibits of contemporary art and other themes in its kitchen and hammam sections, and sometimes hosts cultural events such as theatre and concerts.