Old Charity Center

The buildings are an amazing step back into time. The art exhibit in the dome was a bit eccentric for my taste but it was done well. The Egyptian exhibit upstairs was fascinating and the tattoo exhibit down stairs was interesting but not really for me. The staff was a bit less than friendly but maybe because it was Sunday they were in a bit of a mood.

The Old Charity Museum in Marseille has a lot to offer! The displays of African, South American and Mediterranean art were excellent! There were also convenient lockers to store our bags / backpacks. It is definitely worth it to visit here while you are in Marseille.

It’s a marvellous piece of architecture! In a very nice area where you feel the native vibe. Be aware that you can pass the security for free but to actually visit everything inside you have to pay the ticket. Even without paying it is worth to pass by.

We stopped in Marseilles while on a long cruise in the Mediterranean. We used Google maps to self guided our around the city. We easily found all the major tourist and historical sites. The Old Charity Center was wonderful. Built to service the poor a couple of centuries ago and very well maintained. Lots f history here.

Nice place to have a quick stop, historic and beautiful architecture. We had a coffee and quick walk around, make some photo shoots and it was nice result. My second times here and definitely recommended if you are in town you should have visited.

Originally built in the 17th century as a hospice for the poor, this is now a multidisciplinary cultural center in the heart of Marseille’s Panier district. The idea for the facility dates back to 1622, with land acquired in 1640. Construction began in 1671 and was completed in 1749. Designed by Pierre Puget, the complex features three levels of arcaded galleries surrounding a rectangular courtyard. At its center stands a striking Baroque-style chapel with an elliptical dome—one of Puget’s architectural masterpieces. Today, the site hosts museums, exhibitions, literary events, and cultural programs, blending historical architecture with modern creativity.

Centre de la Vieille Charité is well worth a stop if you’re exploring Marseille, especially the Le Panier district. It blends historic architecture with museum-quality collections in a tranquil environment. It might not replace a major landmark on a short list, but it will definitely enrich your understanding of the city’s past and culture.

An enjoyable an interesting museum. Free complementary bag storage, and polite staff. Make sure to hold onto your ticket as it is required to enter every exhibit. Nice collections spanning most of the world and a super historic building. A nice place to spend an hour while in Marsille.