Admire the modern architecture
On arriving at the Mucem, I take the time to admire the former J4 port mole, which stands facing the sea at the exit of Marseille’s Vieux-Port. I appreciate the building’s modern, uncluttered architecture, which is unique in the city.
I begin by strolling around the museum, which, thanks to its architecture and the 15,000 m2 of mesh that envelops the building, awakens the senses: light atmospheres, tactile sensations of materials, sound atmospheres, and alternating panoramic views.
Discovering Marseille and its civilizations
I began my visit to the museum with the permanent exhibition “Connectivités”, which plunged me straight into the history of the great Mediterranean port cities.
The exhibition invites us to follow in the footsteps of the historian Fernand Braudel, and to approach the history of the Mediterranean in the 16th and 17th centuries with him, like a character whose story needs to be told over the long term, and even questioned in the contemporary period.
This urban history took me back in time, inviting me to discover the evolution of contemporary port areas: Casablanca, Cairo, the megacities of Istanbul and Marseille.
A break in the hanginggardens
It’s almost noon, and the sun is beginning to shine. Strolling along the little paths on the roof of the Mucem, the view over the city’s harbor is magnificent. I continue to stroll around the building, surrounded by the gentle reflection of the sun created by the museum’s architecture. Outside, benches invite you to sit in the shade of olive trees, the symbol of Provence.
Where to eat at the Mucem?
The Mucem in Marseille offers four dining areas that celebrate Mediterranean culinary diversity.
Bouillant, designed with Michelin-starred chef Alexandre Mazzia, revisits the spirit of Marseille bouillon in a contemporary setting.
On the roof, La Terrasse – Michel par AM serves Mediterranean street food inspired by the chef’s food truck.
On the ground floor, Le Kiosque offers a quick and sunny gourmet break.
Finally, at Fort Saint-Jean, Le Café du Fort, run by chef Manon Flament, offers inventive and convivial local cuisine with a sea view.
