Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée d'Histoire de Marseille was created in 1983 following archaeological excavations undertaken in 1967 during the construction of the Centre Bourse. These works revealed major remains of the Greek, Roman and medieval periods, including the famous Crinas wall and ancient wrecks. The museum, completely renovated in 2013, revolves around the site of the ancient Port, a Vestiges garden on site, and a permanent exhibition of 3,500 m2. It highlights the maritime and urban history of Marseilles, from its founding by the Phocéans around 600 BC to the contemporary era.

The museum journey, structured in 13 chronological sequences, is based on iconic objects such as the wrecks of the ships Jules-Verne 7 and 9 (VIth century BC), Greek votive steles, or amphoras bearing witness to the Mediterranean trade. The museum also includes interactive spaces, an auditorium, and a documentation centre. Its modern architecture, signed Roland Carta, creates a dialogue between the building, the city and the archaeological site, offering an exceptional view of the ancient remains.

The flagship collections include the remains of the wreck of the harbour horn (II century), objects from the surrounding Gallic oppida (such as the Roquepertuse bicephalus), and elements related to the daily, religious and economic life of Massalia, then Massilia. The museum also covers more recent periods, such as the plague of 1720, the arsenal of galleys under Louis XIV, or the urban transformations of the 19th century, illustrated by models, paintings and industrial artifacts.

The Vestiges Garden, the heart of the museum, presents in situ the remains of the ancient port, including docks, warehouses and ships. This site, ranked among the most important in the Mediterranean, allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of the first Marseillais. The museum also plays an educational role, with workshops for schools and immersive digital devices, such as the historical axis of Marseille designed by Alain Dupuy.

Finally, the museum is part of a process of valuing local heritage, in collaboration with institutions such as the MuCEM. It regularly offers temporary exhibitions and cultural events, strengthening its anchor in Marseille life. Its status as "Museum of France" and its integration into the urban landscape, between Old Port and Centre Bourse, make it an essential place to understand the Mediterranean identity of the city.

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