It’s an honor we’re still proud of. In 2013, Marseille became the European Capital of Culture. More than 10 years later, this international reputation has lost none of its splendor. Since 1st Sunday of the month isn’t the only time of year to see exhibitions for free, here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of Marseille’s best museums.
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Mucem, one of Marseille’s best museums (or at least the best-known)
The Mucem is ideal. Just a stone’s throw from the Old Port and La Major, it boasts an extraordinary view of the Mediterranean. While its lacy architecture is a work of art in its own right, you have to push open the doors of Mucem for the magic to happen. Mediterranean of yesterday, Mediterranean of today, the Mucem is a place of discovery and exchange around this basin of civilization dating back to antiquity.
It offers a multidisciplinary vision (anthropology, history, archaeology, art history and contemporary art), to show the many facets of the Mediterranean world and its ongoing dialogue with Europe. And did you know that its yachting basin could well become a bathing area ?
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The Vieille Charité center, a building erected in the XVIIᵉ century
It’s a nugget that’s well established in the the Panier district. Built in the XVIIᵉ century in the Phocaean city according to the plans of the great Marseille architect and sculptor Pierre Puget la Vieille Charité originally had an entirely different vocation. Indeed, this architecturally remarkable place was designed to shelter the city’s destitute and poor.
Today, the Centre de la Vieille Charité brings together several multi-cultural structures and offers temporary exhibitions and activities throughout the year. Photograph exhibitions, cycles dedicated to contemporary art, exhibitions of sculptures from different eras. .. Take a look at the exhibition program.
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The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseille, one of France’s oldest fine arts museums
Marseille Museum of Fine Arts is one of the first fifteen museums created in France by the Consulate in 1801. It wasn’t until 1869 that the Musée des Beaux-Arts phocéen took up residence in the left wing of the Palais Longchamp. While Marseille’s Musée des Beaux-Arts offers a wide range of temporary exhibitions, don’t miss out on their incredible permanent display.
You’ll see works by great Italian painters from the late Renaissance to the 18th century. But also Flemish painters, notably Rubens‘ masterpiece, The Boar Hunt. An ode to Provence, it features an exceptional collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings by Pierre Puget, the man responsible for the Vieille Charité. Another major piece in this museum, The inner voice a Rodin masterpiece donated by the sculptor himself.
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Marseille Natural History Museum, free tours
We’re staying at the Palais Longchamp. This is also where you’ll find the Marseille Natural History Museum. Created shortly after the Musée des Beaux-Arts, it wasn’t until 1819 that Marseille’s Natural History Museum came into being. This cultural mecca will appeal to lovers of European and Mediterranean natural spaces.
A remarkable showcase of naturalist and heritage curiosities. The permanent collections of the Natural History Museum reflect the political, economic and scientific life of Marseille since the early 19th century. Good news for bargain hunters : visits to the permanent collections of Marseille’s Natural History Museum are free of charge.
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The Fond Régional d’Art Contemporain (FRAC), a bastion of contemporary art in the PACA region
The Fonds régionaux d’art contemporain (Frac ) were created in 1982 by Jack Lang. With funds located all over France, he wanted to bring culture out of Paris. As a result, the company’s influence extends to other regions of France, including France’s second largest city.
With the Frac sud the Provence-Alpes-Côtes d’Azur region as a whole benefits from the public contemporary art collections based in Marseille. With a rich calendar of events and a cutting-edge Program, you can discover different artists’ universes throughout the year. Accessible to as many people as possible, admission costs €2.50 for certain exhibitions.