MAC Musée d’Art Contemporain de Marseille
Marseille's contemporary art museum, featuring French & international works from the 60s. Free permanent collection!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
MAC Musée d’Art Contemporain de Marseille
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Marseille's contemporary art museum, featuring French & international works from the 60s. Free permanent collection!
"A place you shouldn't miss if you're in Marseille, with astonishing window walls and great art."
✅ Free Permanent Collection
Enjoy the permanent exhibition for free! Temporary exhibits may have a fee .
⏰ Check Exhibition Schedule
Verify opening hours and exhibition installation closures before visiting .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Permanent Collection
Explore French & international art from the 1960s onwards, with a focus on local artists. Free entry!

Architectural Window Walls
Astonishing window walls that enhance the display of artworks, offering unique perspectives.

Sculptures in the Park
Discover interesting sculptures located in the park adjacent to the museum.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry & Exhibition Schedules
Location & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Travelling to Marseille Museums to visit and more
✅ Free Permanent Collection
Enjoy the permanent exhibition for free! Temporary exhibits may have a fee.
⏰ Check Exhibition Schedule
Verify opening hours and exhibition installation closures before visiting.
Tips on things to do in Marseille?
🚌 Public Transport Friendly
Accessible by bus; a short walk from the metro. Parking available nearby.
🌳 Explore the Park
Don't miss the sculptures in the park behind the museum.
Tips
from all over the internet
✅ Free Permanent Collection
Enjoy the permanent exhibition for free! Temporary exhibits may have a fee.
⏰ Check Exhibition Schedule
Verify opening hours and exhibition installation closures before visiting.
🚌 Public Transport Friendly
Accessible by bus; a short walk from the metro. Parking available nearby.
🌳 Explore the Park
Don't miss the sculptures in the park behind the museum.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
MAC Musée d'Art Contemporain offers a free permanent collection of modern and contemporary art, praised for its architectural design and local artist focus. However, some visitors find the curatorial style and security presence less than ideal, and note that the museum can close unexpectedly for exhibition installations.
"Came to Marseille to see the Olympics. And after watching a game on the coast, I took an Uber to the museum and was too astonished by the window walls. Although it was nearly closing time, the staff were very nice and helped me buy a ticket. Dangling my legs on a stone stand outside the Musée until one of the staff members came to let me know they were closed."
Shelly Shi
"A brand new renovation for the MAC museum in Marseille. A place with a structure that enhances the works on display.
I was only able to see the permanent exhibition, but it has some very interesting works, particularly on local artists which is essential.
The staff at the entrance are very welcoming and the museum is free.
One detail that is a bit complicated for me is that they don't have a really dedicated website, it's a site that groups together all the museums in Marseille and so it's more difficult to get information.
As far as I'm concerned, it wasn't until I was there that I realised that the museum was closed for the installation of the exhibition. I find this a bit special because all the museums I've visited have the option of closing their spaces for new exhibition and leaving their permanent collections open to the public.
I think that for a place like this, and if it wants to continue to evolve, this might be necessary.
The entrance through the park is a bit sad, with homeless people sleeping a few metres away from it.
That said, it's a place you shouldn't miss if you're in Marseille."
Guy H
"Great collection. The Museum is a little bit far away from the city center, but can be reached with public transport. So if you are in Marseille and you like contemporary art, then I would recommend you to visit MAC."
Nick Acorne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
MAC is located a bit outside the city center. You can reach it via public transport, with bus routes being a convenient option. It's also a walkable distance from the metro, though it might be a longer walk. If you're driving, there's parking available at the shopping center across the road.
Yes, MAC Marseille is accessible by public transport, primarily via bus lines. While it's not directly on a metro line, it's within a reasonable distance for those who don't mind a short walk after disembarking from the metro.
If you're arriving by car, there is a shopping center located across the road from the museum where you can park.
While the museum itself is a cultural hub, some reviews mention seeing homeless individuals in the park area near the entrance. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, as with any urban environment.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The permanent exhibition at MAC Musée d'Art Contemporain is free to enter, making it an accessible cultural experience. However, temporary exhibitions may have an admission fee.
Visiting the permanent collection at MAC Marseille is free. For temporary exhibitions, there is typically a fee, for example, one reviewer paid 6€ for a specific temporary exhibition.
For the free permanent collection, advance booking is generally not required. For temporary exhibitions, it's always a good idea to check the museum's official website or contact them directly to see if advance booking is recommended or necessary.
Opening hours can vary, and it's crucial to check the official website for the most up-to-date information. Some visitors have encountered unexpected closures due to exhibition installations, so confirming hours before your visit is highly recommended.
Unfortunately, the museum sometimes closes entirely for the installation of new exhibitions, meaning the permanent collection may not be accessible during these times. This is a point of feedback from visitors who prefer permanent collections to remain open.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
MAC Musée d'Art Contemporain showcases French and international art from the 1960s onwards. The permanent collection often features works by local artists, providing insight into regional contemporary art scenes.
Crowd levels can vary. Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed viewing experience. During popular temporary exhibitions, you might encounter more visitors.
Yes, the museum is noted for its striking window walls, which are described as astonishing and enhance the display of the artworks. The building's structure is designed to complement the art on display.
Indeed, there are sculptures to be found in the park located behind the museum. It's a pleasant addition to the visit, offering a chance to enjoy art in an outdoor setting.
While the art collection is impressive, some visitors have noted an 'oppressive security' presence which can detract from a relaxed experience. The display of art in long rows with sometimes unclear labeling has also been mentioned as a curatorial challenge.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information regarding on-site dining facilities at MAC Marseille is limited in reviews. It's advisable to check the museum's official website or plan to dine at nearby restaurants or cafes.
Given its location slightly outside the immediate city center, dining options directly adjacent to the museum might be limited. However, exploring the nearby shopping center or heading back towards the city center will offer a wider array of restaurants and cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary for museums. It's best to check for signage within the museum or inquire with staff. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is often permitted, but special exhibitions might have restrictions.
The architectural window walls are a standout feature for photography, offering unique perspectives. The sculptures in the park also provide good photo opportunities. Capturing the art itself will depend on the museum's photography policy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be aware that the museum's layout and some of the art might be more suited to older children or teenagers who can appreciate abstract concepts. The 'arty-bollocks' introductions to rooms mentioned by some reviewers might not resonate with younger audiences. It's also wise to check the museum's schedule for any temporary exhibitions that might be particularly engaging or suitable for children. Given its location, planning transportation in advance is key for a stress-free family visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize your savings, consider packing your own snacks or planning a picnic in the nearby park, as on-site dining options might be limited or costly. Always double-check if temporary exhibitions have a fee, and if so, decide if they align with your budget and interests. The free access to the permanent collection alone makes MAC a highly recommended spot for those watching their spending.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating MAC's Collection and Curation
Despite these critiques, the museum houses impressive pieces, including notable works that represent the history of contemporary art. Visitors should be aware that the museum may close entirely for the installation of new exhibitions, which can be inconvenient if you were hoping to see the permanent collection. It's essential to check the museum's schedule in advance to avoid disappointment. The architectural design, particularly the striking window walls, is often praised for enhancing the viewing experience and providing unique visual elements within the museum space.
For those interested in contemporary art, MAC offers a substantial collection. The advice from visitors is to go with an open mind, appreciate the free access to the permanent collection, and be prepared for a potentially unique curatorial style. The park behind the museum also offers a pleasant outdoor space with sculptures, adding another dimension to a visit.
Practicalities: Getting There and Around
It's worth noting that the area surrounding the museum, particularly the park, has been mentioned in reviews as sometimes having homeless individuals present. While this is a common occurrence in many urban parks, it's something to be aware of. The museum's website has also been described as less dedicated, being part of a larger site for all Marseille museums, which can make finding specific information slightly more challenging.
When planning your visit, always verify the museum's opening hours and exhibition schedules directly. Unexpected closures for exhibition installations have caught some visitors off guard, so confirming these details beforehand is crucial to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
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