Centre de la Vieille Charité
A jewel of 17th century French classicism, the Centre de la Vieille Charité houses the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology (MAM), the International Poetry Centre of Marseille (CiPM) and a cinema. The chapel is now devoted to monumental works.
The monumental and rigorous lines of the Vieille Charité, on three superimposed levels, alternate spectacularly with the baroque-inspired chapel that adorns its courtyard. One of the most exceptional monuments in Marseille, it combines Roman inspirations reminiscent of Francesco Borromini and a majestic porch, executed during the Second Empire by the architect Blanchet. Its design and the majesty of its interior spaces have left their mark on the minds of artists to this day. Le Corbusier admired it at the turn of the 1940s, when he himself was working on the construction of the Cite Radieuse. This dialogue between past and present continues today.
A rich programme, open to the most diverse currents of contemporary creation, makes it one of the major venues for the exhibition of contemporary art in the South of France and around the Mediterranean.
A jewel of 17th century French classicism, the Centre de la Vieille Charité houses the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology (MAM), the International Poetry Centre of Marseille (CiPM) and a cinema. The chapel is now devoted to monumental works.
The monumental and rigorous lines of the Vieille Charité, on three superimposed levels, alternate spectacularly with the baroque-inspired chapel that adorns its courtyard. One of the most exceptional monuments in Marseille, it combines Roman inspirations reminiscent of Francesco Borromini and a majestic porch, executed during the Second Empire by the architect Blanchet. Its design and the majesty of its interior spaces have left their mark on the minds of artists to this day. Le Corbusier admired it at the turn of the 1940s, when he himself was working on the construction of the Cite Radieuse. This dialogue between past and present continues today.
A rich programme, open to the most diverse currents of contemporary creation, makes it one of the major venues for the exhibition of contemporary art in the South of France and around the Mediterranean.
Programme
Mère We Sea, Laure Prouvost
Laure Prouvost captures the soul of the chapel to unfold a monumental visual and sound installation. Drawing on underwater influences, she envelops the space in aquatic reflections.
Tattooing: Mediterranean Tales
Through more than 275 works, Tattooing: Mediterranean Tales presents a sweeping panorama of tattooing practices along the shores of the Mediterranean, from the Bronze Age to the present day.
Paintings, sculptures, photographs, archaeological artefacts, contemporary creations and fashion pieces form a rich and diverse exhibition trail, offering a sensitive and unexpected immersion into the world of tattooing. Drawing on a historical, artistic and anthropological approach, the exhibition reveals the depth of cultural exchange and the richness of the collective imagination that has flowed through this region over the centuries, while also highlighting the deep-rooted connection between these practices and the city of Marseille.
Access
Center de la Vieille Charité
2 rue de la Charité, 13002 Marseille
+33 (0)4 91 14 58 80 or 46
musees.marseille.fr
Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm.
Closed on Mondays, except for Easter and Pentecost Mondays.
Closed on the following days: January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11 and December 25.
Locate other art venues in the vicinity on the map.
Discover our address book
CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERIES
• Double V Gallery : The trendy contemporary art gallery in Marseille.
• Galerie Béa-Ba : A hub for contemporary painting.
CULTURE & HERITAGE
• Friche La Belle de mai : An arts and culture factory and a living place.
• Coco Velten : A place for working and encounters with a collaborative cultural programme.
• Fotokino : Exhibitions, screenings, workshops and conferences.
TO DISCOVER
• Lucy Luce : the workshop-boutique of a jewelry designer and organic sculptures.
• JoggingJogging : concept et fashion store.
BOAT TRIP
Le Don du Vent : Boat rental and private boat services.
PLACES TO STAY
• Les Bords de Mer : Mini-refuge, maxi-vue : 19 bedrooms facing the big blue.
• Hôtel Le Ryad : Well located at the top of la Canebière in the city center.
• La Résidence du Vieux Port : 4-star hotel with a retro decor, inspired by Le Corbusier and Pouillon.
• Tuba Club : A restyled former diving club in the Goudes district. 5 bedrooms and a restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Calanques.
PLACES TO EAT
• La Marine des Goudes : A mythical place in the heart of the little port of Les Goudes, inviting the sea to enter and guests to sail.
• Sépia : Seasonal cooking. Covered terrace and view of the city.
• La Parenthèse : Terrace with tapas to share in a quiet alley of La Vieille Chapelle district.
• Chez Yassine : Tunisian halal specialties. A must-go of Eastern cuisine in the Noailles district.
• Yima: A family Eastern canteen in the Noailles district.
• Toïa : For the ceviche lovers, a tasty cuisine made with fresh and seasonal products.
• La cantine de Lynn : A delicious small restaurant, home cooking and a welcoming atmosphere.
WINE BARS & GROCERY
• Les Buvards : An excellent selection of natural wines and healthy products in this natural wine bar pioneer in Marseille.
• Épicerie L’Idéal : Fresh goat cheese, Camargue lamb, an excellent selection of products from the Mediterranean Basin to take away and meals to eat in.
• Maison Geney : Canteen, delicatessen and tearoom with homemade products, a simple and generous cooking in the Panier district.
