Old port

The Ombriere of the Old Port is a giant mirror and gathering place

Located on the Quai de la Fraternité, in the heart of Marseille’s Old Port, the Ombrière is a striking stainless-steel structure that immediately catches the eye. Installed in 2013 for Marseille’s year as European Capital of Culture, this architectural work was designed by world-renowned architect Norman Foster.

The Ombrière measures 46 meters long and 22 meters wide, supported by slender steel columns. Its distinctive feature is its mirrored ceiling, made of polished stainless steel, which reflects everything happening below—passersby, markets, cyclists, events… A surprising play of reflections that intrigues as much as it entertains. It is both a work of art and a functional urban element.

As its name suggests, the Ombrière also provides shade. It creates a welcome shelter from the sun, especially in summer, on this lively and busy port square.

Today, the Ombrière is a meeting point, a must for photographers, and a fine example of how modern design can blend with a historic urban landscape.

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