Musée d'Histoire de Marseille
Explore 2,600 years of Marseille's history, from ancient Greek foundations to Roman ships and beyond, in this immersive archaeological museum.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Musée d'Histoire de Marseille
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 2,600 years of Marseille's history, from ancient Greek foundations to Roman ships and beyond, in this immersive archaeological museum.
"A rewarding and well-presented museum, especially for its ancient port and Roman ship exhibits."
🚶♀️ Enter via the Park
Access the museum through the park for direct views of the ancient port layout, rather than the shopping mall entrance.
🎧 Use the Audio Guides
These are well-made and informative, offering English translations for a richer understanding of exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Port Excavations
Ground floor
Walk through the unearthed foundations of the ancient Greek and Roman port, a tangible piece of Marseille's 2,600-year history.

Roman Ship Wrecks
Ground floor
Marvel at the remarkably preserved remains of two ancient Roman ships, brought to life with detailed models and video presentations.

City's Historical Journey
Upper floors
Follow Marseille's evolution from antiquity to modern times through engaging displays, artifacts, and multimedia.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ancient Port & Roman Ships
Free Entry & Audio Guides
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Travelling to Marseille Museums to visit and more
🚶♀️ Enter via the Park
Access the museum through the park for direct views of the ancient port layout, rather than the shopping mall entrance.
🎧 Use the Audio Guides
These are well-made and informative, offering English translations for a richer understanding of exhibits.
Hello, France: What are Marseille's dos and don'ts for a first time visitor?
Visiting Marseille
🎒 Bag Storage Available
Friendly staff can store small backpacks in lockers, freeing you up to explore comfortably.
📸 Photography Allowed
Capture the history, but remember to disable your flash to protect the artifacts.
Any suggestion what to see in Marseille, France?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Enter via the Park
Access the museum through the park for direct views of the ancient port layout, rather than the shopping mall entrance.
🎧 Use the Audio Guides
These are well-made and informative, offering English translations for a richer understanding of exhibits.
🎒 Bag Storage Available
Friendly staff can store small backpacks in lockers, freeing you up to explore comfortably.
📸 Photography Allowed
Capture the history, but remember to disable your flash to protect the artifacts.
⏳ Check Audio-Visual Status
Some videos and audio presentations might be under repair, so inquire if they are crucial to your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors frequently praise the Musée d'Histoire de Marseille for its impressive collection of ancient port ruins and remarkably preserved Roman ships, offering a tangible connection to the city's deep history. The frequent free entry and informative audio guides are highlighted as significant advantages, making it an excellent value. While some find the modern history sections less engaging, the overall experience is considered rewarding and educational.
"In a city that is rich in history, it was very rewarding to find a well planned and presented museum. Enter the grounds through the park (not the shopping mall) to see the layout of the ancient port. Excavated walls and buildings are described on plaques to help visualize. Inside you will proceed from earliest archeological finds to modern day. The modern day presentation is poor and lacking but that isn't why you should go to a history museum, is it.
Early on you'll encounter the remains of two ancient ships along with video presentations that can be heard through earphone devices available at the entrance. Models have been build to demonstrate how the ship looked when it was in use. The videos include how it was used, the importance of them to ancient Marseille, and the process of discovering and protecting them.
The museum is broken into stages that each have a marker showing the dates and most important events. At each stage, there is an audio and sometimes video explanation to add to the exhibits."
Thomas Winslett
"I got a chance to visit I the museum for free and I am very glad. It’s one of the most interesting approach to show the marine history of the city through such ship installations I have ever seen. Several levels of the museum guide you through its history. I was a bit disappointed that the latest history (1970s) is not yet available"
Kirill Maksimkin
"Free entry. Large museum. A lot of history. Boat ruins, stones, pottery, etc. Glad I went. Oh, btw, you can exit into a shopping mall if you choose to. Friendly people at the front desk. They even offered to put my small backpack in a locker and gave me the key to retrieve it. Photography was allowed but no flash."
Michel Fradet
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in the Joliette district. You can easily reach it by metro (Line 2, Joliette station) or by bus. Many visitors also walk from the Old Port area.
Yes, it is very accessible. The Joliette metro station is a short walk away, and several bus lines stop nearby, making it convenient for exploring Marseille.
For the most impactful experience, enter through the park to immediately see the layout of the ancient port. The shopping mall entrance is also an option but less scenic.
There are several parking garages in the vicinity, such as the République or Joliette parking lots. However, public transport is often recommended due to potential traffic and parking costs.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes from the Old Port, allowing you to see more of the city along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Often, the museum offers free entry, which is a significant draw for visitors. It's always a good idea to check their official website or inquire upon arrival for the most current admission policy.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. Typically, the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with later hours on some days. It's best to confirm the exact times on their official website before your visit.
If there is an admission fee, booking in advance might be advisable during peak season. However, given the frequent free entry, advance booking is usually not necessary.
The museum is frequently free for all visitors, making it an excellent value. Check their website for any special events or specific days that might have different policies.
While large bags might need to be checked, the museum staff is helpful and can store small backpacks in lockers for you, allowing for a more comfortable visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The most captivating exhibits are the excavated remains of the ancient port and the two Roman shipwrecks, which are central to the museum's narrative. The chronological displays of the city's history are also highly recommended.
Most visitors find that 2-3 hours are sufficient to explore the exhibits thoroughly, especially if you utilize the audio guides. Some may spend longer if they are deeply interested in archaeology.
The museum offers a good introduction to history, with visual displays and ship models that can engage older children. Younger children might find some sections less captivating.
Yes, audio guides are available and are generally well-made, providing detailed information. They are typically offered in English and French.
Photography is usually permitted inside the museum, but it's important to refrain from using flash to protect the delicate artifacts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not typically have a restaurant or cafe. However, it is located near the Joliette district and the Terrasses du Port shopping center, which offer numerous dining choices.
The surrounding area offers a wide variety of cuisines, from casual cafes and brasseries to international fast food and more formal restaurants, catering to all tastes and budgets.
It's generally not permitted to consume food or drinks inside the museum galleries to preserve the exhibits. There are usually designated areas outside or in nearby public spaces if you wish to picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the museum for personal use. However, it is crucial to avoid using flash photography to protect the historical artifacts.
The most photogenic areas are undoubtedly the excavated port structures and the Roman ship wrecks. The detailed models and the scale of these ancient remains make for striking images.
Commercial photography or videography usually requires special permission from the museum administration. Always inquire with staff if you plan to use images for anything other than personal memories.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider utilizing the audio guides, which can make the historical narratives more accessible and interesting for older children. It's also a great opportunity to discuss how people lived in the past. Remember that while the museum is generally free, some audio-visual components might be under repair, so it's worth checking beforehand if those are key to your child's engagement.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding Joliette district or a walk from the Old Port to maximize your free activities. The informative audio guides, also often free, provide a rich experience that rivals paid attractions. It's a highly recommended, cost-effective cultural stop.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Unearthing Marseille's Maritime Past
The museum's most striking features are the remains of two Roman ships, discovered in the 1970s and meticulously preserved. These ancient vessels, along with detailed models and engaging video presentations, tell the story of Marseille's vital role as a maritime trading hub. The audio guides provide in-depth context on their construction, use, and the fascinating process of their excavation and conservation.
This focus on its maritime heritage is what truly sets the Musée d'Histoire de Marseille apart. It's not just a collection of artifacts; it's a journey through the very foundations of the city, allowing visitors to connect with its 2,600-year history in a profound and tangible way.
Navigating the Museum's Chronological Journey
While the ancient history sections are widely praised for their presentation and the significance of the finds, some reviews suggest that the modern history sections could be improved. However, the overall effort in documenting the city's evolution is commendable, offering a rich narrative for those interested in urban history. The museum's commitment to providing detailed information through audio and video enhances the learning experience.
Despite minor critiques on later periods, the museum excels in bringing the ancient and medieval periods of Marseille to life. It's an educational and often surprising experience, especially for those who might not typically gravitate towards archaeological museums.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit