Dar America closes its historic doors in Casablanca after 50 years of cultural Diplomacy

The U.S. Mission in Morocco marked the closure of Dar America’s historic building in Casablanca during a ceremony held on Tuesday, after more than eight decades of service, as the U.S. Consulate prepares to relocate to a new compound in Casablanca Finance City.

The event, attended by alumni, community leaders, educators, former staff, and members, came as Dar America marks its 50th anniversary and the United States and Morocco celebrate almost 250 years of partnership.

“This end marks the beginning of something new. A relationship between the US and Morocco that will be unparalleled,” Marissa Scott, U.S. Consul General, told Hespress English.

Since the 1940s, the building has served as the original residence of the U.S. Consul General in Casablanca, but it was later redesigned and reopened to the public in 1975, welcoming its first members and becoming a symbol of friendship and collaboration.

“The transition is not an ending,” the U.S. Consul General stressed, “but part of the story of two nations, bound by friendship, respect, and a belief in the power of human connection.”

She stressed that the new building will be modern and more closely integrated into daily efforts “to strengthen the U.S.-Morocco partnership.”

E. Rose Custis, Director of Dar America, said that over the past five decades, the center has often been Morocco’s first introduction to American culture and history, welcoming tens of thousands of members.

Custis revealed that the new location will have two levels and a large courtyard, with a makerspace, computer lab, and meeting rooms. It will host programs like speaker events and free English classes.

It will offer “expanded resources, state-of-the-art facilities, and dynamic programming to continue the center’s mission of promoting American culture, values, and educational excellence.”

On April 10, Dar America will close its Gauthier location, and on April 21, the U.S. Consulate in Casablanca will end American Citizen Services and visa services at Boulevard Moulay Youssef, ahead of the move to Casa Finance City, where Dar America will reopen on May 5.

The compound blends contemporary American architecture with Moroccan influences, featuring sustainable design elements such as solar energy systems, water-efficient landscaping, and easy access to public transportation.

In January, the U.S. government paused immigrant visa issuances for nationals of Morocco and more than 90 other countries, though applicants could still submit applications and attend scheduled interviews.

Since the start of the fiscal year, the U.S. Consulate in Casablanca has released only two small batches of Diversity Visa appointments, leaving many applicants waiting.

President Trump’s directive that immigrants should not become a financial burden on the United States led the State Department to review policies, regulations, and guidance for applicants from countries considered at higher risk of relying on public benefits.