Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseille

Museum in Marseille

Palais Longchamp — CC BY-SA 2.0 / Vicuna R

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseille stands as one of the primary cultural institutions in Marseille, located in the picturesque Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Housed in a dedicated wing of the majestic Palais Longchamp, the museum showcases a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings spanning from the 16th to the 19th centuries. This diverse assortment highlights significant works that capture the evolution of art across these formative centuries, making it a key destination for art enthusiasts visiting the city.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts in Marseille, recognized as the city’s oldest museum, was established in 1801 as part of a national initiative by the consulate to create museums in major French cities. Initially housed in the Bernardines’ Convent from 1804, it was relocated to the magnificent Longchamp Palace during the Second Empire, officially opening there in 1869.

The palace, designed by architect Henry Esperandieu, was purpose-built to accommodate the museum. A standout feature of Longchamp Palace is a grand fountain showcasing la Durance, depicted on a chariot drawn by Camargue bulls, which celebrates the engineering feat of bringing the waters of the Durance canal to Marseille.

Today, the museum houses an extensive collection that includes over 8,000 artworks spanning three centuries, from the 16th to the 19th century. The collection is particularly noted for its Italian and French masterpieces from the 16th and 17th centuries, featuring artists like Louis Finson, Jean Daret, and Nicolas Mignard.

Additionally, the museum presents a significant assortment of works from Northern schools with pieces by notable artists such as Rubens, Jordaens, and Snyders. It also emphasizes regional art from Provence, including works by local artists such as Michel Serre. The 19th-century French school is prominently represented, showcasing artists like Courbet, Corot, Daubigny, Millet, and Puvis de Chavannes, making it a vital cultural treasure in Marseille.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseille appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Marseille!

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