Musée d'Histoire de Marseille - a view of a city with a hill in the background
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Musée d'Histoire de Marseille

4.5
·2k reviews·Marseille, France

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more immersive

CrowdLow
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Musée d'Histoire de Marseille - a view of a city with a hill in the background

Musée d'Histoire de Marseille

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more immersive

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"A rewarding and well-presented museum, especially for its ancient port and Roman ship exhibits."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Port Excavations

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

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

City's Historical Journey

Upper floors

Follow Marseille's evolution from antiquity to modern times through engaging displays, artifacts, and multimedia.

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Planning Your Visit

Ancient Port & Roman Ships

Don't miss the excavated remains of the ancient port and two Roman ships. These are the museum's most impressive historical features, offering a tangible link to Marseille's maritime past. Plan to spend time here to fully appreciate the scale and detail.

Free Entry & Audio Guides

The Musée d'Histoire de Marseille often offers free admission, making it a budget-friendly option. Take advantage of the audio guides, which are available in English and provide in-depth information about the exhibits. Check for any ongoing repairs to audio-visual equipment.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Good for a relaxed visit
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🎧 Use the Audio Guides

These are well-made and informative, offering English translations for a richer understanding of exhibits. Reddit

reddit.com

Hello, France: What are Marseille's dos and don'ts for a first time visitor?

reddit.com

Visiting Marseille

🎒 Bag Storage Available

Friendly staff can store small backpacks in lockers, freeing you up to explore comfortably. Reddit

📸 Photography Allowed

Capture the history, but remember to disable your flash to protect the artifacts. Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🎧 Use the Audio Guides

These are well-made and informative, offering English translations for a richer understanding of exhibits. Reddit

🎒 Bag Storage Available

Friendly staff can store small backpacks in lockers, freeing you up to explore comfortably. Reddit

📸 Photography Allowed

Capture the history, but remember to disable your flash to protect the artifacts. Reddit

⏳ Check Audio-Visual Status

Some videos and audio presentations might be under repair, so inquire if they are crucial to your visit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

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

Ancient port ruins
Roman ship wrecks
Free entry

What People Dislike

Modern history sections

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, audio guides are available and are generally well-made, providing detailed information. They are typically offered in English and French. Reddit

Photography is usually permitted inside the museum, but it's important to refrain from using flash to protect the delicate artifacts. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Musée d'Histoire de Marseille can be a fascinating outing for families, particularly for children interested in ships and ancient history. The preserved Roman ships and the visual reconstructions of the ancient port are often a hit with younger visitors. While the museum is largely educational, the interactive elements and the sheer scale of the ancient finds can keep kids engaged. Reddit

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. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This museum is a gem for budget-conscious travelers, as it frequently offers free admission. This makes it an excellent way to experience a significant piece of Marseille's history without a hefty price tag. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Unearthing Marseille's Maritime Past

The Musée d'Histoire de Marseille is built directly over the archaeological site of the ancient port, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the city's foundational years. Visitors can literally walk among the excavated walls and buildings that formed the original Greek and Roman harbor. This immersive experience is enhanced by informative plaques and digital reconstructions that help visualize the bustling port of antiquity. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

Navigating the Museum's Chronological Journey

The museum guides visitors through Marseille's history in a chronological fashion, starting from its earliest settlements. Each section is clearly marked with dates and key events, making it easy to follow the city's development. The displays include a variety of artifacts, from pottery and tools to architectural fragments, all contributing to a comprehensive understanding of Marseille's past. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

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