Centre de la Vieille Charite
About
The Centre de la Vieille Charité, a former almshouse dating back to the 17th century, has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub in Marseille’s historic Panier quarter. Designed by architect Pierre Puget, the Baroque‑style complex features a magnificent ovoid dome chapel, expansive arcaded courtyards, and three‑storey galleries that house the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology (MAM) and the Museum of Arts African, Oceania and Amerindian (MAAOA). The centre also hosts the Centre International de Poésie Marseille (CIPM), an EHESS campus, a research laboratory, a specialised library, and a café, creating a multidisciplinary environment for scholars, artists and visitors alike. Admission to the main museums is free, with occasional free entry on the first Sunday of each month. Visitors are encouraged to spend 2–3 hours exploring the historic architecture and the diverse collections that span from ancient Mediterranean artefacts to contemporary African and Oceanian art.
Highlights
- Puget Baroque Architecture
- Central Ovoid Dome Chapel
- MAM Mediterranean Collection
- MAAOA Global Artefacts
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
Good for
Best time to visit
Late spring to early autumn (May–October) when the weather is pleasant and crowds are moderate
At a glance
- Typical visit: about 3 hours