Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean — Attraction in Marseille

This was a very different place than I imagined, and while I enjoyed it, I can see that the experience isn't for everyone. This is a combination of history and art that I haven't seen before.

Coming from the port area, you will walk through the restored old fort and learn about the history of it as well as Marseille through interesting short videos and audio guide you can listen to on your phone. You will walk through little gardens highlighting important plants, both native and imported. In contrast, you will then walk across a high bridge into a huge, modern building that houses modern art as well as a informative look at the history of the Mediterranean through art, artifacts, maps, and more, again with audio guide accessible by phone.

The juxtaposition of all these contrasts -- modern vs ancient, black steel vs stone, high tech displays in tiny rooms in the fort -- seemed odd at first. However, then I realized it is just like the Mediterranean itself: a mix of old vs new in layer upon layer that makes European cities charming and fascinating, at least to this American.

If you go, realize that there is not a clear path through (likely intentionally). You have to wander and explore and discover, which we enjoyed.

We spent four hours there, and didn't feel like we saw everything. If you don't speak French, you will still have a good experience as most of the audio content and many signs are in English. If you also have the Google Translate app on your phone and use it to translate the French-only signs, you will have a better experience.

There is a cafe with sandwiches and salads on the bottom floor, prices about 10€. The top-floor outdoor cafe has some dishes for about 15€, and the formal restaurant ranged from 20-50€. There are lots of WCs, but not a lot of seating.

On the first Sunday of each month, entry is free!

On one hand, I wish there had been more about history, and less art. On the other, I couldn't have absorbed much more in one day. Net, I enjoyed it and am glad I did it, but don't think I would do it a second time unless the...

If you find yourself in Marseille, and you've done any research at all, you've almost certainly encountered the MUCEM in your online travels. I know I did, and it was a top priority for us. I can say that it was well worth the time, so much so that I had to go twice.

MUCEM is really a three part venue: Fort Saint-Jean, J4 and the CCR. We only spent time at the first two, so I can't really comment the CCR. However, Fort Saint-Jean was really fun to explore, and as with many spots in Marseille, the views were incroyable. You can walk in and around the fort, climb the tower or cross the unique concrete (at least I think they're concrete, whatever they are, they're really cool) walking bridges, one that takes you out of MUCEM, and one that takes you from the Fort to J4.

When you take the walking bridge to J4, you land at the top of that structure, where you'll find a very nice roof top cafe/patio area (the French seem to be good at putting cafes anywhere people may wander). Of course, we took some time there to enjoy a glass of rose (when in Provence...), and rested for the next portion of our visit, the J4 facility.

J4 is wonderfully designed. You can walk the entire building from the outside, getting multiple views of the port area as you descend (through the interesting lattice work that encompasses more than half of the structure). Inside they have art and cultural expositions that are interesting and informative.

The price of admission was 11 euro, very reasonable considering what you get. Bottom line, if you're going to Marseille, you'd be well advised to make MUCEM a...

Our visit to the Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée (MuCEM) in Marseille was an unforgettable experience! The museum itself is a striking architectural masterpiece, beautifully set by the sea with stunning views of the Mediterranean. As we explored the exhibits, we were captivated by the rich history and culture showcased throughout the museum.

MuCEM does an excellent job of blending ancient artifacts with modern-day cultural pieces, offering a deep dive into the civilizations that have shaped the Mediterranean region. We found the exhibits on European and Mediterranean history particularly fascinating, with interactive displays that kept us engaged. The museum’s diverse collections, from art to archaeology, were not only informative but also visually stunning.

One of the highlights of our visit was the connection between the museum's exhibits and Marseille's own history. The emphasis on cultural diversity and exchanges between different civilizations was truly eye-opening.

Additionally, the staff was incredibly friendly, and the layout of the museum made it easy to navigate. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about the Mediterranean’s rich heritage, MuCEM is an absolute must-visit. We left with a deeper appreciation for the region’s cultural history and can’t...