MuCEM, Marseille — Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

Step into a architectural masterpiece that seems to float between sea and sky. MuCEM, which opened in 2013 as part of Marseille's year as European Capital of Culture, is a breathtaking 15,000 square-metre cube wrapped in fibre-reinforced concrete latticework. Designed by Rudy Ricciotti, the intricate lattice patterns pay homage to traditional Mediterranean architecture, particularly the mashrabiya, creating constantly shifting shadows and light effects as you walk around it. The 72-metre square building stands dramatically at the harbour entrance on reclaimed land, connected by bridges to the 17th-century Fort Saint-Jean. The museum's collections explore European and Mediterranean civilizations through an interdisciplinary lens, taking you on a journey across cultures and centuries. With Questo, you can discover the hidden stories of how this architectural marvel connects Marseille's ancient past to its vibrant present, unravelling the cultural exchanges that shaped the Mediterranean world.