MuCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée) is a newer addition to Marseille's cultural offerings and is an award-winning museum dedicated to Europe and the Mediterranean. The museum won the Council of Europe Museum Prize and was inaugurated the same year that Marseille was designated as the European Capital of Culture.
The museum houses a vast permanent collection tracing the historical and cultural influences that have shaped the region from ancient through modern times. It's a family-friendly attraction located right on the harbour, just 5 minutes from the city centre.
MuCEM - one of the highlights of 11 Best Things to Do in Marseille and 10 Things to Do in Marseille on a Small Budget (Read all about Marseille here)
Highlights of MuCEM
MuCEM offers a wide range of permanent and rotating exhibits. Some past and present highlights include Connectivities, which tells the story of Mediterranean port cities during the 16th through 17th centuries, and an exhibit looking at depictions of mass violence through children's drawings.
In the past, the museum has had such unique and interesting exhibits as photo novel exhibitions, an exhibit called 'We Are Football', looking at the history of the sport and its importance in the region, and 'Seafaring Adventurers Mediterranean-Indian Ocean 7th–17th centuries'.
What to know before you visit MuCEM
MuCEM allows visitors to wander freely and discover the exhibits as they like. This includes the attached ancient remains of Fort Saint-Jean. The museum welcomes groups, families and school trips, and the staff will work to provide an exciting, fun and educational experience.
Visitors with disabilities are welcome at MuCEM, and the museum staff are constantly working to better accommodate those with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities so that they can fully enjoy all the facility has to offer. Finally, the museum offers an onsite bookshop and occasional gift shop pop-ups and concessions.
MuCEM
Location: 1 Espl. J4, 13002 Marseille, France
Phone: +33 (0)4 84 35 13 13