Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) in Marseille, inaugurated in 1994 by Bernard Blistène, is dedicated to art from the 1960s to the present. It is born of the desire to geographically separate the modern collections of the Cantini Museum, which opened to art of the twentieth century from the 1950s. The acquisitions of the 1960s targeted live artists, while the 1980s filled the gaps to anchor the collection from a historical perspective. MAC, with its status as a national museum acquired in the 2000s, is distinguished by dynamic temporary exhibitions and international partnerships.

The building, typical of the 1970s, is characterized by grey marble floors, white walls and natural zenithal lighting. Its sober architecture highlights works, ranging from paintings to installations, including major movements such as New Realism, Fluxus or Arte Povera. The collection, with about 1,000 pieces, is enriched annually through deposits and acquisitions linked to exhibitions. MAC also plays a key role in the cultural revitalization of Marseille, notably in anticipation of events like Manifesta 13, which motivates its renovation from 2019 for a reopening scheduled in 2023.

Several directors have marked his history: Philippe Vergne (1994–1997), Véronique Legrand (1998–2000), Nathalie Ergino (2001–2005), who launches a project for young artists and organizes exhibitions by artists such as Gilles Barbier or Carsten Höller. Since 2006, Thierry Ollat, from the Shop School in Grenoble, has been leading the museum, continuing a policy of openness and innovation. MAC is thus a key player in contemporary art in the Mediterranean region, while building on a historical foundation representing the second half of the 20th century.

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