logo
ic_menu

Marseille History Museum

2 Rue Henri Barbusse, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Description

The Marseille History Museum is an archaeological and history museum focused on the city of Marseille. The timeline is divided in 14 periods from the prehistoric time before the settlement up to the post WW2 contemporary era. Macro developments such as trading, Christianity, architecture, the union with the French kingdom at the end of the 15th century, and the two World Wars are documented through the various collections. Highlights include the ruins found onsite when the site was excavated, the hull of a 2nd century ship, and medieval potteries.

Access & Transport

Address: 2 rue Henri Barbusse, 13001 Marseille The "Barbusse Colbert" bus stop is very close to the museum entrance on rue Henri Barbusse. The Vieux Port and Colbert metro stations (M1) are less than 5mins walk and so is the Belsunce Alcazar tram stop (T2, T3).

Instructions & Recommendations

Whilst in the area, we suggest an exploration of the Belsunce, Vieux Port, Canebière and/or Panier neighbourhoods.

Meta review

Although the museum isn't that well-known and often overshadowed by other attractions in the city, online reviews are excellent. Visitors find it very comprehensive without being overwhelming, a difficult balance with 26 centuries to cover. There are mentions that it is suitable for children, i.e. they should find some of the exhibits interesting and that the highlight are the excavated ruins. The main negative comment relates to the lack of consistent English translation but recent reviews suggest that this has been addressed using QR codes (that point is unclear).

Environmental & Social

Most of the building's energy consumption is likely to be for air-conditioning (or heating for a few weeks a year). Not a major carbon footprint on a per visitor basis though. Spreads culture and preserves the city's cultural and historical heritages

Conclusion

Marseille History Museum provides visitors with a comprehensive dive into the city's 2,600 years history, crafts and culture. The permanent collection comprises of high-quality exhibits and archaeological finds. We highly recommend a visit there to anybody looking for a cultural activity and every history buff.

Key positive

Probably one of the best opportunities to better understand and learn about the city

Cheap entrance

Key negative

Lack of printed English translation

Suitability

Suitable for all ages and accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on 01 Jan, 01 May, 01 Nov, 11 Nov and 25 Dec.

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:2h 15m

Regulated hours

Monday -

Tuesday09:00 - 18:00

Wednesday09:00 - 18:00

Thursday09:00 - 18:00

Friday09:00 - 18:00

Saturday09:00 - 18:00

Sunday09:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€6
Adult
18 - 64
€6
Teen & Young
12 - 17
€3
Child
3 - 11
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.