Museums in Marseille - MuCEM

Inaugurated in June 2013, MuCEM (the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations) is a museum in Marseille dedicated to European and Mediterranean civilizations. Here, you can learn everything you want to know about the Mediterranean culture, from neolithic to contemporary art. The architecture of the building is also the most incredible. A footbridge links the principal building situated at the entrance to the harbor of Marseille to the Fort Saint-Jean, another museum site. But, before your visit, make sure to check their website. Sometimes, because of the strong wind, this footbridge can be closed.

One museum, three sites

MuCEM is actually one museum set of three different sites. One of them, the J4 is an incredible building designed by the French architect Rudy Ricciotti and decorated by the artist Yann Kersalé. This building made of "stone, water, and wind" is actually a cube surrounded by a latticework fiber structure. This part of the museum is a place that hosts exhibitions, and a high footbridge links it to the Fort Saint-Jean. Built in 1660 by Louis XIV and listed as a French historical monument in 1964, this fortification is also part of MuCEM. In the Fort Saint-Jean, the visitors can see many temporary exhibitions, but also learn many interesting things about the history of this place. The Conservation and Resource Center is the third site. Designed by the French architect Corinne Vezzoni, this part of the MuCEM is the museum's reserve.

Museum’s collection

In the MuCEM, you can see a great and very original collection composed of many objects, photographs, posters, prints, postcards, and books. But even if the MuCEM was opened only in 2013, its collection was created some 130 years ago. In fact, this museum is the direct inheritor of the Ethnographic Museum of the Palais de Trocadéro in Paris. Today, this museum in Marseille is a perfect place to see and learn about the Mediterranean culture. For example, you can admire the traditional French costumes, as well as those from North Africa. If you can't visit the MuCEM, but you are interested in discovering their collection, I have good news for you. It is actually possible to have a glimpse of it on the museum's website.

Practical information

MuCEM, an incredible museum in Marseille, is open every day except on Tuesdays. In August, this museum opens its doors every day, even on Tuesdays. During the summer, the opening hours are from 10 am to 8 pm, and during the rest of the year from 11 am to 7 pm. The entrance ticket for adults is 9,5 euros, but it is much cheaper if you come as a family. In that case, the entrance for two adults and up to 5 children is only 14 euros. In the J4 building, you can also find a bookshop and a boutique. On top of the MuCEM, is situated "Le Mole Passedat". This incredible restaurant has a breathtaking panoramic view of the Bay of Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea. "Le Mole Passedat" also offers a savory Mediterranean cuisine, made with fresh and seasonal products.