Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de Marseille
Discover natural wonders for free at Marseille's historic Natural History Museum, housed in the stunning Palais Longchamp.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de Marseille
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover natural wonders for free at Marseille's historic Natural History Museum, housed in the stunning Palais Longchamp.
"It's free, so it was worth it to just stop in for about 45 minutes."
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy the museum's collections without any cost – a fantastic bonus!
⏳ Allocate about an hour
It's a smaller museum, perfect for a focused visit of around 45-60 minutes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fossil Room
Discover ancient life with a captivating collection of fossils that spark curiosity for all ages.
Taxidermy Collection
Zoology exhibits
Marvel at a diverse array of meticulously preserved animals, showcasing natural history in detail.
Palais Longchamp Architecture
Admire the stunning 19th-century palace housing the museum, a magnificent backdrop for your visit.
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Travelling to Marseille Museums to visit and more
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy the museum's collections without any cost – a fantastic bonus!
⏳ Allocate about an hour
It's a smaller museum, perfect for a focused visit of around 45-60 minutes.
Palais Longchamp, Art and Natural History Museum of Marseille, France
Any suggestion what to see in Marseille, France?
🏛️ Explore Palais Longchamp
Combine your museum visit with the grand palace and its gardens for a fuller experience.
📚 English Translations Available
Most exhibits have English text, making it accessible for international visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy the museum's collections without any cost – a fantastic bonus!
⏳ Allocate about an hour
It's a smaller museum, perfect for a focused visit of around 45-60 minutes.
🏛️ Explore Palais Longchamp
Combine your museum visit with the grand palace and its gardens for a fuller experience.
📚 English Translations Available
Most exhibits have English text, making it accessible for international visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Musée d'Histoire Naturelle de Marseille for its free admission and its charming, well-preserved collections, particularly the fossils and taxidermy. The stunning architecture of the Palais Longchamp, which houses the museum, is also a major draw. Some find the museum to be small, but its value as a free attraction within a grand setting is widely appreciated.
"This place is free as is the art room across the way at the Palais Longchamp (photo opportunities here).
I did not even know it was there. The staff is so nice and will give you tips on surrounding places to visit.
Keep in mind, this place is small (remember, it's free) but definitely check out the fossil room.... pretty cool!!!"
ANA 22
"Small natural history exhibit that would be interesting for any age. Lots to see, many English translations. A great renovation of a Victorian " dead zoo" into something more relavant and modern but still has a curiosity cabinet feel."
Miranda O
"We came here to provide some entertainment for my daughter. The museum is surprisingly small, just three rooms and is mostly stuffed animals and bones with a few gems. I'd only give it three stars except that it is free, so it was worth it to just stop in for about 45 minutes. It is part of the glorious Longchamp palace, so if anything it is worth it stop in if you are seeing Longchamp."
anthony scott
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located within the Palais Longchamp. You can reach it by tram (lines T1 and T2 to 'Longchamp') or bus (lines 4, 540, 582, 81). It's also a pleasant walk from the city center.
There is parking available near the Palais Longchamp, though it can get busy. Public transport is often recommended for ease of access.
The Palais Longchamp and its museum are generally accessible, but it's always a good idea to check specific accessibility details with the museum directly if you have concerns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The great news is that admission to the Musée d'Histoire Naturelle de Marseille is free!
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official museum website or local listings before your visit. Generally, it's open during typical museum hours.
Since entry is free, advance booking is typically not required. You can usually walk in.
The museum sometimes hosts temporary exhibitions. While the permanent collections are free, these special exhibitions might have a separate admission fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features extensive collections of zoology (taxidermy), mineralogy, and paleontology (fossils). It's described as a 'curiosity cabinet' with a modern touch.
Yes, the exhibits, especially the fossils and stuffed animals, are often found to be interesting and engaging for children.
Most visitors find that 45 minutes to an hour is sufficient to see the main exhibits, given its size.
Information on guided tours is best found on the museum's official website or by inquiring at the information desk upon arrival.
Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check for signage or ask staff if photography is permitted, especially without flash.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are typically no dining facilities directly within the museum itself. However, the Palais Longchamp area and surrounding streets offer various cafes and restaurants.
You'll find many dining options around the Palais Longchamp, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants, offering a range of cuisines.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand architecture of the Palais Longchamp itself is a major photo opportunity. Inside, the exhibits offer unique shots, particularly the fossil displays.
Policies can change, but generally, non-flash photography for personal use might be allowed. Always check for signs or ask staff.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light for photographing the palace and its fountains.
For Different Travelers
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grandeur of Palais Longchamp
Beyond the museum, the Palais Longchamp complex also includes the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum) and beautiful gardens. Exploring the entire complex offers a comprehensive cultural and aesthetic experience. The staff are noted for being friendly and helpful, often providing tips on other local attractions, adding to the welcoming atmosphere of this historic site.
Exploring the Collections
The paleontology exhibits are particularly engaging, showcasing a variety of fossils that transport visitors back in time. This 'fossil room' is frequently cited as a must-see, providing a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life. While the museum is described as having a 'curiosity cabinet' feel, it has been updated to feel relevant and modern, blending historical charm with contemporary display techniques.
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