Marseille museums are a must-see for any art lover visiting the city. From contemporary art to ancient history, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular museums in Marseille, providing as much information as possible about each one.
Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée (MuCEM)
The Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée, or MuCEM, is a museum dedicated to the civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. The museum’s collection includes artifacts from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt, as well as works of art from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Special Exhibitions:
The MuCEM regularly hosts special exhibitions, showcasing works from some of the world’s most renowned artists. Past exhibitions have featured the works of Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí.
History and Background:
Opened in 2013, the MuCEM is a relatively new addition to the Marseille cultural scene. The museum was built as part of the European Capital of Culture program, and its architecture reflects the city’s history and culture. The building is made of concrete, steel, and glass, with a design that was inspired by the city’s ancient fortifications.
Guided Tours:
Guided tours of the MuCEM are available in several languages. Visitors can take a tour of the permanent collection or a specialized tour of a special exhibition.
Musée des Beaux-Arts
The Musée des Beaux-Arts is Marseille’s premier art museum. The museum’s collection includes works of art from the 14th century to the present day, with a focus on French and European art.
Special Exhibitions:
The Musée des Beaux-Arts regularly hosts special exhibitions, showcasing works from some of the world’s most renowned artists. Past exhibitions have featured the works of Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Henri Matisse.
History and Background:
The Musée des Beaux-Arts was founded in 1801, making it one of the oldest museums in Marseille. The museum’s collection was initially made up of works of art that were seized during the French Revolution. Today, the museum’s collection has grown to include over 30,000 works of art.
Guided Tours:
Guided tours of the Musée des Beaux-Arts are available in several languages. Visitors can take a tour of the permanent collection or a specialized tour of a special exhibition.
Musée d’Histoire de Marseille
The Musée d’Histoire de Marseille is a museum dedicated to the history of Marseille and the surrounding region. The museum’s collection includes artifacts from ancient Greece and Rome, as well as works of art and artifacts from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Special Exhibitions:
The Musée d’Histoire de Marseille regularly hosts special exhibitions, showcasing works from some of the world’s most renowned artists. Past exhibitions have featured the works of Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí.
History and Background:
The Musée d’Histoire de Marseille was established in 1852 and is one of the oldest museums in the city. The museum’s collection includes artifacts from the city’s rich history, from its founding by the ancient Greeks to its role as a major port during the 19th century. The museum also has an extensive collection of artifacts from the region, including items from the Roman and Medieval periods.
Guided Tours:
Guided tours of the Musée d’Histoire de Marseille are available in several languages. Visitors can take a tour of the permanent collection or a specialized tour of a special exhibition. The museum also offers themed tours, such as a tour of the Roman and Medieval periods, or a tour of the city’s maritime history.
Musée de la Marine
The Musée de la Marine is a museum dedicated to the history of the maritime and naval history of France and the Mediterranean. The museum’s collection includes artifacts from the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as works of art and artifacts from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Special Exhibitions:
The Musée de la Marine regularly hosts special exhibitions, showcasing works from some of the world’s most renowned artists. Past exhibitions have featured the works of Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí.
History and Background:
The Musée de la Marine was founded in 1823 and is one of the oldest museums in the city. The museum’s collection includes artifacts from the city’s rich maritime history, from ancient ships to modern naval vessels. The museum also has an extensive collection of maritime artifacts, including maps, charts, and navigation instruments.
Guided Tours:
Guided tours of the Musée de la Marine are available in several languages. Visitors can take a tour of the permanent collection or a specialized tour of a special exhibition. The museum also offers themed tours, such as a tour of the city’s maritime history, or a tour of the naval history of France.
In conclusion, Marseille museums are a great way to discover the rich history and culture of the city and its region. From ancient civilizations to modern art, the museums of Marseille have something for everyone. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover or just looking for an interesting way to spend your time, a visit to one of these museums is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
