![Fine Arts Museum, Marseille](/img/gd_attr/16400.jpg)
Fine Arts Museum, Marseille
The Fine Arts Museum (Musée des Beaux-Arts) in Marseille holds the distinction of being the city's oldest museum. Established in 1801 by the consulate, it was one of fifteen museums created in major cities across France. During the Second Empire, the museum relocated from its initial location at the 'Bernardines' Convent, where it had been since its inception in 1804, to the grand Longchamp Palace, which was inaugurated in 1869.
Designed by the architect Henry Esperandieu, the majestic Longchamp Palace was specifically constructed to house the Fine Arts Museum. A remarkable sight within the palace is a massive fountain depicting la Durance on a chariot pulled by Camargue bulls, symbolizing the commemoration of the arrival of the Durance canal's waters in Marseille.
Within the museum's premises, guests are greeted with an expansive array of more than 8000 paintings, sculptures, and drawings. The museum's permanent exhibitions span three centuries of art history, from the 16th to the 19th century. Among the impressive displays are works by renowned Italian and French masters from the 16th and 17th centuries, including Louis Finson, Jean Daret, and Nicolas Mignard.
The museum showcases a significant representation of Northern schools, including works by Rubens, Jordaens, and Snyders. It also focuses on art in Provence, featuring local artists like Louis Finson, Jean Daret, Nicolas Mignard, and Michel Serre. The 19th-century French school is well-represented with works by Courbet, Corot, Daubigny, Millet, and Puvis de Chavannes.
Designed by the architect Henry Esperandieu, the majestic Longchamp Palace was specifically constructed to house the Fine Arts Museum. A remarkable sight within the palace is a massive fountain depicting la Durance on a chariot pulled by Camargue bulls, symbolizing the commemoration of the arrival of the Durance canal's waters in Marseille.
Within the museum's premises, guests are greeted with an expansive array of more than 8000 paintings, sculptures, and drawings. The museum's permanent exhibitions span three centuries of art history, from the 16th to the 19th century. Among the impressive displays are works by renowned Italian and French masters from the 16th and 17th centuries, including Louis Finson, Jean Daret, and Nicolas Mignard.
The museum showcases a significant representation of Northern schools, including works by Rubens, Jordaens, and Snyders. It also focuses on art in Provence, featuring local artists like Louis Finson, Jean Daret, Nicolas Mignard, and Michel Serre. The 19th-century French school is well-represented with works by Courbet, Corot, Daubigny, Millet, and Puvis de Chavannes.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Marseille. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Fine Arts Museum on Map
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Sight Name: Fine Arts Museum
Sight Location: Marseille, France (See walking tours in Marseille)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Marseille, France (See walking tours in Marseille)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Marseille, France
Create Your Own Walk in Marseille
Creating your own self-guided walk in Marseille is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Food and Shopping Walk
Shopping in Marseille is a great way to mingle with the locals and immerse in new tastes, scents and customs. As with so much else in this melting-pot of a city, the top-of-the-range stores here rub shoulders with the funky little boutiques, high-street chains with scruffy discount outlets or traditional family groceries and bakeries.
Marseille doesn't have a flagship thoroughfare as such,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Marseille doesn't have a flagship thoroughfare as such,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Marseille's Old Town
Marseille's Panier (Old Town) is full of history. The nick "Panier" means "basket" and it comes from the 17th-century inn, Le Logis du Panier, that once stood on today's rue du Panier.
Over the course of centuries the cobblestone streets of Marseille's Old Town had been a haven for refugees, criminals, and prostitutes, as well as Resistance fighters, Jews and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Over the course of centuries the cobblestone streets of Marseille's Old Town had been a haven for refugees, criminals, and prostitutes, as well as Resistance fighters, Jews and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Marseille Introduction Walking Tour
Marseille was created by immigrants from all around the Mediterranean basin even before the Phocaeans. In about 620 BC a Greek Phoenician galley rowed into a small outlet called Lacydon Creek, looking for trade. They found it. Ligurians occupied the land, and being sort of Greek themselves, they didn't mind doing business.
The leader of the galley people was one called Protis. Protis was... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
The leader of the galley people was one called Protis. Protis was... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Marseille's religious scene, albeit diverse, is dominated by Christianity. The Christian presence in the city dates back to ancient times, making it an integral part of local identity. The vibrant Mediterranean port city also has been a significant pilgrimage destination.
The majority of Christians in Marseille are Roman Catholics, whose prevalence is manifested in the form of multiple... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
The majority of Christians in Marseille are Roman Catholics, whose prevalence is manifested in the form of multiple... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles