Inside Parc Borély in Marseille, this 18th-century château houses a museum of decorative arts, ceramics and fashion. Its rooms pair historic interiors with collections that include Marseille faïence, furniture, tapestries and clothing spanning several centuries. Look for the painted murals and lacquered ceilings, as well as temporary exhibitions that have explored Art Nouveau and Art Déco. The surrounding park adds space for a walk before or after your visit, and an outdoor restaurant in the château grounds gives you a place to eat.
A château turned museum
Château Borély was built in the 18th century and stands within Parc Borély, in Marseille’s 8th arrondissement. The building has three storeys and includes a chapel as well as the museum. It reopened after renovation in 2013, with its rooms used to display collections devoted to decorative arts, faïence and fashion.
The museum’s applied-arts collection dates to 1882. Its holdings include furniture, ceramics, glass, tapestries and other works. Rather than a single collection of paintings, the displays bring together objects made for interiors, daily life and dress. The château itself is part of the visit: historic rooms, gilded details and painted decoration provide a setting for the objects.
Ceramics, interiors and fashion
Marseille faïence is among the collections to look for, alongside ceramics from other parts of the world. The displays include pottery dating from the early 17th century and hand-painted murals from the 18th century. Furniture and tapestries show other forms of decorative work, while the exhibition rooms have lacquered ceilings and installations by French artists and designers.
Fashion provides a much longer timeline, with clothing from the 15th to the 21st century. Temporary exhibitions add different themes to the permanent displays. One exhibition brought together fashion pieces from the museum’s archives and works from Marseille’s Museum of Contemporary Art to explore surrealism through three themes, including the fragmented body. Check the museum’s current programme if a particular temporary exhibition is part of your plans.
Making time for the visit
The museum occupies a substantial building, and the collections are spread across its rooms. Set aside a good part of the day if you want to take in both the objects and the château interiors without rushing. The galleries are in Parc Borély, so you can continue outdoors after the museum or make the park the other half of your outing.
There is an outdoor restaurant in the château grounds for lunch. Prado Beach is another nearby place to add to a longer day in this part of Marseille. The museum is closed on Mondays, and tickets in advance are recommended. Admission information in the supplied material lists €6 for the permanent exhibitions and €9 when special exhibitions are included; check the museum’s own site for current details before setting out.
Preguntas frecuentes
How much does admission to Château Borély cost?
The supplied admission information lists €6 for the permanent exhibitions and €9 with special exhibitions. Check the museum’s website for current prices.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Allow around 3 to 4 hours to explore the collections and the château. The surrounding Parc Borély can add time to your outing.
What can I see at the museum?
The collections cover decorative arts, faïence and fashion, including ceramics, furniture, tapestries and clothing from the 15th to the 21st century.
Is Château Borély inside a park?
Yes. The château and museum are inside Parc Borély, where you can walk before or after your visit.
