Old Charity Center

This former charitable center is now three floors of global art exhibits from the museum of Marseilles and a central former chapel with a contemporary art installation, at least when I visited. There is also an outdoor cafe in one corner. The architecture is the star attraction. Even if not seeing the art, it's a pleasant shaded walk. Tickets were available free at the ticket office, and not required to walk around the halls but required to see the chapel.

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.

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.

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.

An excellent ensemble of archaeoligical and ethnographic museums. The Egyptian section is particularly good. But the whole thing is well done. Very well lit artefacts, some good contextual information. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting, except for one thing. The overly officious insistence on a ticket, even though it's free to get in. When I lost my ticket, I had to get a new one to enter the next section of exhibits. I asked why, and they said , so we know how many people are here, in case of evacuation. But by insisting I get another ticket, they actually got a false count. So it's a pointless exercise in bureaucracy.