Street Art in marseille in the Panier District. Goldfish on the wall.
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The street Art in Marseille

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Street art has been part of the Cité Phocéenne’s urban landscape for many years. Just like the city’s famous monuments and museums, it contributes to the city’s appeal. In fact, Marseilles is hosting an increasing number of events and guided tours dedicated to this street art, with each artist more talented than the last.

Districts and cultural areas

Cours Julien, the ideal location for graffiti artists

Since the 1980’s, colours have taken over the walls of this district, but not only on the walls… Art can be found on every street corner: doors, stairs, storefronts, any medium is conducive to street art. In recent years it has grown thanks to institutional initiatives that have helped legitimize this artistic approach. The “Cours Ju”, as it is called by the locals, has seen many mural artworks and many artists. To mention some of the most famous, we can see on the walls the names of C215, Monsieur Chat, or Mahn Kloix. A real pleasure for the eyes of those who love this ephemeral art or are simply curious to discover it.

      The Panier district, an open-air museum

      As the oldest district of Marseille, the Panier attracts visitors curious to venture into its narrow and colorful streets. Street art has made its home here: wherever you look, murals, graffitis or ceramics decorate the walls. We can easily recognize some famous artists such as Nhobi, a Brazilian artist representing his characters with grimacing faces and bulging eyes. One of his most representative murals of Marseille is the one of the fisherman that he realized with his fellow artist “Seek 313” in 2019. Although gigantic, these paintings remain ephemeral since they are constantly covered and renewed. This is why we can find many works exhibited in the “UndartGround” gallery, to keep track of their visit.

      La Friche de la Belle de Mai, an artistic rehabilitation

      This former tobacco factory has been completely renovated as a cultural venue hosting exhibitions, festivals, concerts and workshops… It is also a living space in its own right offering young people and families the opportunity to enjoy a skate park, a basketball court or shared gardens, while in the heart of many colourful murals, stencils, or collages … Artists regularly come to perform and reinvent this 100,000m² space, where the atmosphere lifts you up!

      Street art is not limited to these few districts and cultural spaces though, just walk around the city and raise your eyes a little to spot these marvels …

          Guided toursand exhibitions dedicated to street art

          Guided tour: in the footsteps of street art on Cours Julien

          Spend some family time discovering urban art, a ubiquitous artistic practice in the Cours Julien district! This colorful, fun-filled tour will enable young and old alike to decipher the graffiti, tags and stencils on the colorful walls, veritable ephemeral works of art.

          MAUMA tour (Musée des Arts Urbains de Marseille)

          A veritable open-air museum! Stroll the streets of the Saint-Mauront district in Marseille’s 3rd arrondissement, accompanied by a guide, to admire exceptional urban artworks and learn the secrets of creating a work of urban art.

          Creature Invasion: SpaceInvaders

          No one can fail to notice these mosaic creatures all over the world. Whether you look up, peek around a corner or hide under a staircase, these works of art created by Invader, France’s most famous street artist, have invaded our city. And Invader hunters are no strangers to the scene, pacing every street in the hope of capturing one (on camera, of course!).

          Join in the fun and discover the Cité Phocéenne at the pace of this artistic treasure hunt.

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          ©Space Invadersvvotcm 3
          Space Invaders Gabianvvotcm 6Space Invaders Gabianvvotcm 6
          ©Space Invaders Gabianvvotcm 6
            Le Phare Banksyvvotlcm RotatedLe Phare Banksyvvotlcm Rotated
            ©Le Phare Banksyvvotlcm Rotated

              An international signature on the walls of Marseille

              At the end of May 2025, Marseille saw the appearance of an unprecedented work of art by Banksy, the world-renowned anonymous British artist. Located on rue Félix Frégier, in the 7th arrondissement, the work depicts a lighthouse whose beam of light aligns perfectly with the shadow cast by a metal post. The work is accompanied by the phrase “I want to be what you saw in me”, giving rise to a variety of interpretations.
              Confirmed by Banksy himself via his Instagram account, this creation quickly attracted the attention of locals and visitors alike, reinforcing the city of Marseille on the global street art map.