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Museum · Marselha, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
MuCEM
National museum dedicated to the civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean, opened in 2013 in a cube covered by a concrete lace, at the entrance to the Vieux-Port. A footbridge links it to Fort Saint-Jean, with gardens and ramparts that can be accessed for free.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About MuCEM
The MuCEM (Musée des civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée) opened in June 2013, when Marselha was European Capital of Culture. The main building, called J4, was designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti: a cube wrapped in a concrete lattice that resembles a fishing net and filters sunlight.
The exhibitions cover the history, art and daily life of the peoples around the Mediterranean, with archaeological pieces, everyday objects and contemporary art. There are always temporary exhibitions. At the top of J4 a terrace with views of the sea and the port is open to the public.
A narrow footbridge, suspended over the water, leads from the terrace to Fort Saint-Jean, which guards the north entrance of the Vieux-Port. The fort has the square tower of King René, from the 15th century, and the Fanal tower, from 1644, and was built on the site where the Greeks settled. Today it features gardens, ramparts and exhibition rooms.
A second footbridge links the fort to the esplanade of the church of Saint-Laurent, already in the Panier neighborhood. This way you can combine the MuCEM, the fort, the Panier and the Cathédrale de la Major in a walking tour. The outdoor areas of J4 and the fort are free to access; the exhibitions have an entrance fee.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours for the exhibitions, the terrace and Fort Saint-Jean. Only the outdoor spaces and footbridges, about one hour.
Best time
The museum is closed on Tuesdays (check before you go). In the mornings there are fewer people in the galleries. In the late afternoon, the terrace and the fort's ramparts are good places to watch the sun set over the sea. The first Sunday of the month often has free admission to the exhibitions and can get crowded.
How to get there
On foot, about 15 minutes from the Vieux-Port following the Quai du Port. By metro, Vieux-Port station (line 1) or Joliette (line 2). Trams T2 and T3 stop at République-Dames and Joliette, a short walk away.
Tip
Enter from above, through the Panier, crossing the footbridge of the church Saint-Laurent to the fort, and finish at the J4 and the terrace. Large luggage is not allowed.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about MuCEM
Do you have to pay to see the terrace and Fort Saint-Jean?
The outdoor areas of the J4, the terrace and Fort Saint-Jean have free access. Exhibitions are ticketed. Check before you go.
Which day is the MuCEM closed?
It is closed on Tuesdays and on some public holidays. Confirm before you go.
What is the J4?
It is the name of the museum's main building, the concrete cube by Rudy Ricciotti, built on the former J4 quay of the port.
Can it be combined with the Panier?
Yes. A footbridge links Fort Saint-Jean to the esplanade of the church Saint-Laurent, already in the Panier.