Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations

I visited MUCEM, including both the modern latticed building (the one that looks like a metal sponge) and the main museum space. The museum is ticketed, and your entry sticker gives access to the various connected sections. Though some parts of the museum were closed during my visit, the areas that were open were large, walkable, and visually striking. The exhibits leaned heavily into European and Mediterranean culture, with a mix of abstract, historical, and interactive pieces. During my visit, there were themed exhibits like Don Quixote, celestial/star displays, and a Mediterranean-focused collection. Several of the installations were surprisingly hands-on, and there were children on field trips engaging with the interactive elements. The museum’s architecture and surroundings are very scenic. From the outdoor walkways you can see the water, the fort, and even large naval ships nearby. It’s worth visiting just for the views. I walked to the museum, so I can’t comment on parking, and while the spaces are generally open and spacious, I can’t confidently evaluate full accessibility. There are elevators and ramps, but the layout between buildings may be complex for some visitors. There are a couple of cafés/eateries inside, and a small souvenir section on the lower level. Nothing extravagant, but convenient if you want a snack or a keepsake. Overall, MUCEM is a thoughtful and visually interesting museum. If you enjoy architecture, modern museums, or seeing how Europe conceptualizes its history, it’s worth the ticket.

This multi floor museum presents items and histories of Mediterranean cultures. Beyond Europe it particularly emphasizes Egypt and Tunisia. These respectively seem to be the most acceptable antique culture to Europeans and the place where France had the most headline making colonial history in the decades before the museum's construction. The displays smack of guilt. The supplemental exhibits focusing on similarities among cultures, in astrology or pottery for example, present insightful comparisons and fascinating example objects. The museum will probably never run out of topics for comparative exhibits (cooking, gardening, print making, etc), so living nearby and being able to see them all is enviable. The museum's ground and top floors both feature cafes, and there is an entertaining gift shop at bottom. The adjoining fort has been redeveloped into gardens and art displays. A walk along the ramparts provides wonderful views of the city and harbor.

The building itself, it's architecture, the views of Marseille all around is very beautiful and impressive. That was actually the highlight of our visit. We saw three exhibitions. "The Mediterranean", which was the most interesting,"read the sky" was nice. and "the popular" was a bit too eclectic and average.

Even if you don’t care about museums, this place hits you. The building alone — concrete lace wrapped in blue reflections — is worth the visit. Walk the rooftop, cross the footbridge, watch the waves crash under the structure. It feels more like exploring a fortress on the water than visiting a museum. Inside, the exhibitions are solid, but the real magic is outside: open sky, sea wind, and a stunning modern design that makes every photo look cinematic. Go late afternoon, stay until sunset if you can — the whole facade glows.

This is definitely a must-do if you have time in Marseille, very interesting and well-thought out displays that were fun to go through, there were also explanations in English which helped. Going across the Sky Bridge and exploring the exhibitions and fort area was another bonus. Allow 2-3 hours at least!

Been here twice. Once in Jun 2019, another recently on 15 Oct 2025. The amount of signages to help guide you TO the Mucem entrance for typical visitors is zero. You spend 20min walking via the piazza at ground level to the museum entrance facing the sea, bam, the entrance sign says priority entrance for kids only. You gotta walk backwards to the cliff/rock to the entrance at the Vieux Port (series of staircases) to cross the giant metal bridges. Only then can you enter. Or so we were told on that Wednesday on 15 Oct 2025. There is also no way of telling if an exhibit is free to enter unless you beat the queue to ask a simple question.

The MuCEM in Marseille is a must-visit! The Don Quixote exhibition is full of imagination, but the most fascinating part for me was exploring the ancient astrology and fortune telling documents, a real treat if you love history and cosmic curiosities. Besides the rooftop café is perfect for reading a book, enjoying the sunshine, and sipping coffee with sea views. Highly recommend taking time to explore every floor… building itself is beautifully designed!

Masterpiece of post modern architecture and wonderful exhibition spaces. I spent a whole day on Fort St Jean and MUCEM. The current exhibitions are quite diverse and well worth the price of entry. If you just want the sightseeing it's free.

Pretty good! Buying or selling in Monterey. If you're looking for a classic car good place to start.

Marseille's ancient Mediterranean heritage comes to life inside its sharpest contemporary museum. For a unique perspective of top-drawer Musée des Civilisations d'Europe et de la Méditerranée, follow the footpath that helter-skelters between the glass wall of the cube-shaped building and its outer lace shell, designed in high-tech black concrete to echo the fishing nets cast around Marseille since inception. At night the building is lit brilliant blue. The museum's vast and diverse collection is the key to understanding Marseille's backstory. End in neighboring Fort St-Jean, in the peaceful Jardin des Migrations, where cultural diversity and migration in the region gets a horticultural spin.

Not sure why the high ratings when we were here FOR HOURS and couldn't find not ONE single exhibit! No art work, no paintings, no sculptures NO NOTHING! Except the really cool mosaic thing that wraps around the entire mucem! We kept seeing signs for 2 exhibits however doors were locked and when we walked into rooms they were showing videos. We took our time and tried to find said ANYTHING but to no avail. The outside look out that brings you to the roof sort to speak had amazing views. Other than that it was a total waste of time.

MUST go for Cosquer exhibit! Years in the making it is spectacular - photos aren't allowed so I can't tempt you with the visual delights you will see - audio guide was avail in English as well as French however the area after you exit the cave was only in French

Among the main turistic attractions in the city, but still a must go. Besides the architecture that allows you to walk around the building, they always have interesting culture activities going on, including free soirées and lectures. If you are interested in knowing the region social history and development, Mucem is a reference.

We didn't go inside the museum, but we walked around it. The museum is really big! J4 building is really pretty at night, and you can get some nice views of Cathedral de la Major too. Definitely a nice place to walk around, and even if you don't go in, you can walk around J4 and the other buildings.

Great modern museum with contemporary exhibits not to be missed! Great terrace on the 4th floor with Great views of sea and fort. Lovely apperitives and salmon & shrimp snacks. Gastronomic restaurant next to open terrace!

Worst experience ever, as soon as I stepped inside two security personnels darted toward me. The first telling me that my camera was confiscated, the second trying to remove it from my hands. The camera was off and just hanging from my neck. I kindly told them that I will require a signed paper before giving anything that belonged to me to a stranger. "IF YOU DONT LIKE IT THEN GET OUT" was the answer. I removed the camera from my neck and again they tried to take it, I told them I will be putting it in a bag and did so. During my visit everyone had their cameras around, hundreds of people taking pictures and movies, thousands of smartphones doing the same. I still wonder what happened to me.

Interesting building full of archaeological artifacts and a couple exhibition halls with rotating exhibits. Right next to Fort Saint-Jean, which is worth exploring afterwards. Not great for English-speakers, unless you get an audio guide. Worth going for its interesting architecture, or if it's a rainy cold day. Not my favorite museum, but it did add a little something to my impression of the region's cultural and historical palette.

a great historic spot to see Marseille from, it gives you 360 degree feeling of the city and a has a nice history in the buildings and structures