2 rue Henri Barbusse, 1st arrondissement – Centre Bourse

Located just steps from the Old Port, the Marseille History Museum sits at the heart of the city, directly linked to the archaeological site of the Ancient Port, visible from the street in the Jardin des Vestiges. Since its major renovation in 2013, the museum has offered visitors a seamless journey between the modern city and its ancient roots.

A Living and Immersive Museum Experience

Dedicated to over 2,600 years of history, the museum unfolds Marseille’s past across thirteen chronological sections, from prehistoric settlements to the contemporary metropolis. The visit begins with a short introductory film before leading visitors into an immersive world enhanced by 3D reconstructions, augmented reality, and soundscapes that vividly reanimate the city’s evolution through the ages.

Collections and Highlights

Spanning more than 3,500 m², the museum’s galleries showcase thousands of artifacts that illuminate everyday life, maritime trade, religion, and art throughout the centuries.

Among its most striking exhibits are:

• The remarkably preserved hull of a 2nd-century ship, one of the best in existence.
• Remains of ancient Greek fortifications and Roman structures.
• Medieval manuscripts and relics from defining events such as the 1720 plague.
• Works by Pierre Puget, the celebrated Marseille-born sculptor and architect.

The Jardin des Vestiges

Adjoining the museum, the Jardin des Vestiges preserves the archaeological remains of the Ancient Port of Marseille, uncovered in 1967 during the construction of the Centre Bourse complex. This open-air site reveals a unique collection of Greek ramparts, funerary enclosures, and sections of the old port quays—a rare survival within a modern city center.

Classified as a Historic Monument, the garden covers nearly 10,000 m² and offers a serene, interpretive setting that allows visitors to visualize the ancient harbor’s scale and importance. It remains a landmark of post-war urban archaeology in France and a bridge between the Marseille of antiquity and that of today.

Facilities and Access

The museum also houses a 200-seat auditorium, a documentation center, educational workshops, and a specialized library (accessible by appointment).

Opening Hours:

• Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Closed on Mondays (except Easter and Whit Monday) and certain public holidays.

Special notes on different museums in Marseille

In Marseille, each museum reveals a different facet of the city’s identity and heritage: the History Museum traces 2,600 years of urban evolution, the Natural History Museum celebrates biodiversity, and the MuCEM connects Mediterranean civilizations. The Regards de Provence Museum highlights regional art, Cosquer Méditerranée takes visitors into an underwater prehistoric world, and Fort Saint-Jean reflects the port’s military and historical significance. The Abbaye Saint-Victor recalls the city’s spiritual roots, the Museum of Roman Docks unveils its ancient trading past, while the Memorial to the Deportations preserves collective remembrance and reflection.