Inside the left wing of Palais Longchamp, the Musée des Beaux-Arts displays paintings, sculpture and drawings from the 16th to 19th centuries. Look for works by Marseille-born artist Pierre Puget, alongside paintings by Rubens and French, Italian, Spanish and Northern European artists. The palace’s fountains, sculpture and gardens add another reason to visit. Entry to the permanent collection is free; temporary exhibitions may have a separate charge. The museum is at 9 Rue Edouard Stephan, and you can pair it with the Natural History Museum in the same palace.
A museum inside Palais Longchamp
The Musée des Beaux-Arts occupies the left wing of Palais Longchamp, at 9 Rue Edouard Stephan. The palace was built in the 19th century as a tribute to the Canal de Marseille. Fountains and sculpture form part of the setting, with gardens around the building. The museum visit can therefore extend beyond the galleries to the palace’s architecture and grounds.
The Natural History Museum is also housed in Palais Longchamp, so both museums can be included in one outing. The Fine Arts Museum is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday to Sunday. Its permanent collection is free to enter; temporary exhibitions may have a separate charge.
Paintings and sculpture from five centuries
The collection centres on European paintings, sculpture and drawings from the 16th to 19th centuries. French, Italian, Spanish and Northern European schools are represented. Among the French artists are Pierre Puget, Charles Le Brun, Charles-Joseph Natoire and Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot.
Puget, a painter and sculptor born in Marseille, has a dedicated room. The collection also includes works by Rubens and paintings connected with Italian Baroque art. Other artists represented include Eugène Delacroix and Gustave Courbet. Displays include paintings as well as sculpture, with French works also shown upstairs.
The museum’s holdings extend beyond paintings. Visitors have noted porcelain and antique glass, and the wider collection includes drawings. Not everything is on display, so the galleries present a selection of the museum’s works rather than its full holdings.
Plan time for the galleries and grounds
Set aside a few hours if you want to explore the galleries at an unhurried pace and see the palace exterior and gardens. The museum is a moderate-sized stop that can fit alongside other sights in Marseille, and the Natural History Museum is nearby within the same complex.
Permanent-collection entry is free throughout the year. Temporary exhibitions can have separate admission, so check the museum’s current program before setting out. The museum also hosts special events and music programs; consult the program if you would like to include one in your visit. Advance booking is recommended.
Perguntas frequentes
Is the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Marseille free?
Entry to the permanent collection is free. Temporary exhibitions may have a separate charge.
What can you see at the Musée des Beaux-Arts?
The museum displays European paintings, sculpture and drawings from the 16th to 19th centuries. Artists represented include Pierre Puget, Rubens, Eugène Delacroix and Gustave Courbet.
How long should you spend at the museum?
Allow a few hours to explore the galleries and Palais Longchamp.
Is the museum inside Palais Longchamp?
Yes. The Musée des Beaux-Arts occupies the palace’s left wing. The Natural History Museum is also in the complex.
