Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology (Musée d’Archéologie Méditerranéenne)
The Basics
Formerly an almshouse and orphanage, the structure’s restoration in the mid-20th century was championed by architect Le Corbusier. The site has since served as a fun destination for fans of art and history, as well as those who simply want something a bit off the beaten path. Moving between the two museums is an easy transition and exhibits complement one another, offering you a complete look at the history of the entire Mediterranean region of Europe through Mediterranean civilizations such as Cyclades, Cyprus, Greece, Greater Greece, Etruria, and Rome. The collection dedicated to Egypt is the largest in France after the Louvre.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Museum of Mediterranean archaeology is an ideal spot for history lovers.
- The museum is wheelchair-accessible.
- There is a small admission fee; children under 18 are free.
Trip ideas
How to Get There
The Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology (Musée d'Archéologie Méditerranéenne) is located at the Vieille Charité in the 2nd arrondissement of Marseille. Take the Metro line 2 to Station Joliette or tram line 2 to Arrêt République Dames. Several bus and tram routes run nearby;xa0 cruise day-trippers are a quick stroll away from the port.xa0 If you are coming from Paris, take the high-speed TGV train; expect about a 3.5-hour ride.
When to Get There
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from morning to evening. On Sunday mornings, the permanent collections are accessible for free until 1pm. Marseille’s peak season lasts from May through August, when the weather is very sunny with little rains. To avoid the crowds in both the city and the beaches, come on the shoulder seasons of spring and the autumn.
Wildcard
Museum of African, Oceanic and American-Indian Art Housed in the same Vieille Charité complex, it’s easy to hit two museums back to back. This wonderful museum of art features striking ethnographic pieces and ancient artifacts such as Mexican folklore and a colorful exhibit on the Day of the Dead, shrunken heads from Africa and magnificent statues, big masks, and a series of colourful skulls from Oceania.
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- Centre de la Vieille Charite
- Museum of African, Oceanic and American-Indian Art (MAAOA)
- Marseille Cathedral (Cathédrale La Major)
- Roman Docks Museum (Musée des Docks Romains)
- Old Port of Marseille (Vieux Port)
- Marseille Cruise Port (Terminal Croisières Marseille)
- Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (Le Mucem)
- Marseille History Museum (Musee d'Histoire)
- Fort Saint-Jean
- Chateau d'If
- Maritime and Commercial Museum of Marseille (Musée de la Marine et de l'Economie de Marseille)
- Place aux Huiles
- Palais du Pharo
- La Canebiere
- Abbey of St. Victor (Abbaye Saint-Victor)