Museum of old charity

From hospice to museums

An emblematic place in Old Marseille, the Vieille Charité naturally sits at the heart of the Panier, which is the historical nucleus of the city. You can visit it on rue de la Charité, near the Cathedral of the Major, in the 2nd arrondissement. The complex also houses no less than 4 museums, which is the least you could expect from a place with such a rich history. But in the past, it was the place used to confine the destitute of the Phocaean city.

Birth of the vieille charité

It all began in 1640, following a royal edict aimed at "the confinement of the poor and beggars"; the municipality decided to construct the Vieille Charité to shelter the needy. The project faced difficulties, and it wasn't until 1670 that Pierre Puget, a native of the neighborhood and architect of the King, designed the plans for what would be one of his greatest achievements.

Construction lasted from 1671 to 1745. The building housed the destitute of the city for over a century until the Revolution when it became a hospice. In 1905, the Vieille Charité was used by the Army. Then, in 1922, it served as social housing for people whose homes had been destroyed.

In 1943, it welcomed some families who were evacuated before the destruction of the Old Port by the Germans.

Musée de la vieille charité : A renewed spirit

Almost abandoned at the beginning of the 20th century, it was Le Corbusier who alerted the municipality to the poor state of the building. Therefore, they decided to restore it.

In 1951, the chapel and the hospice were classified as historical monuments. And in 1961, the restoration work began and lasted nearly 25 years after all residents were relocated.

The vieille charité today

Today, this monument in Marseille has become a versatile center that hosts numerous cultural structures. What makes it unique in Marseille in many respects is first the Olympian calm that reigns there, and then the dazzling beauty of the site. The architectural style is representative of the 17th century with the magnificent Chapelle Puget in Baroque style with its ovoid shape. The front facade of the building is in the Second Empire style and is decorated with the theme of charity. The unity of style is perfect, with the buildings constructed of pink and white stone extracted from the Couronne quarry north of Marseille. The building has 4 wings, open to the interior and overlooking the Chapel. They feature 3 levels connected by galleries.

More than a museum, the Vieille Charité is a true invitation to relaxation and escape. A journey through time enhanced by as many little relaxation or cultural stopovers. In addition to the permanent and temporary exhibitions of the museums, the center has a cinema, a bookstore, a bar-restaurant, and a poetry center. There's plenty to do between the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology, the Museum of African Arts, the Museum of Oceanic Arts, and the Museum of Native American Arts. Remember to reserve your entry tickets at the box office to avoid waiting in line ;-)

You'll have understood that this is an absolutely must-see place in Marseille. After a short visit to the Panier, come and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Vieille Charité, a vestige of Marseille's history.

To visit Marseille differently, have you thought about bike rental or Segway rental?

The Marseille little train will also allow you to discover the city in a different way, much to the delight of families.